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Advice needed for a disabled graduate Computer forensics

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(@dave_jones123)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hi I have recently graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with a degree in computer security and forensics. I have recently spoke to my university regarding employment and they refereed me to the disability adviser who has no knowledge of the job market so I was hoping to seek further advice here? Can anyone give any advice?

 
Posted : 29/08/2013 5:07 pm
(@afentis_forensics)
Posts: 47
Eminent Member
 

evening dave,

this is a useful starting point https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/forensiccomputeranalyst.aspx

there are quite a lot of graduates chasing precious few jobs (not just in forensics), so think about doing something that will make your CV stand out. feel free to fire me a pm.

all the best, ross

 
Posted : 05/09/2013 3:12 am
Passmark
(@passmark)
Posts: 376
Reputable Member
 

Get someone to review your CV. Employers will never give honest & detailed feedback. I've looked at 100s of CVs from IT graduates and in general the quality is very poor. Most can't even use Microsoft Word or a spell checker.

Get some work experience in the field. Offer to work for free for a short period, or do some development work on an open source project.

If you can't pick up work with an existing firm, consider starting up your own business until something else comes alone. e.g. a hard disk recovery service in your local area.

Network. Meet as many people as you can in the field.

 
Posted : 05/09/2013 5:53 am
(@dan0841)
Posts: 91
Trusted Member
 

What sort of advice are you after?

The advice I can give may be relevant depending what your disability is. I'm a wheelchair user. I graduated in 2009 as a mature student with a 1st. I had previous military experience which was totally unrelated to computers. I now work in LE as a forensic investigator.

Many public sector organisations offer a guaranteed interview if you have a disability and meet the minimum job criteria. I landed the first and only job which I applied for immediately after leaving Uni. The graduate market is fairly saturated so make sure you stand out with every aspect of your application. The guaranteed interview scheme is a foot in the door but at the end of the day you won't get the job unless you stand out as better than the rest of the candidates.

If you want a chat just PM me and I'll send you my Mob number.

 
Posted : 05/09/2013 1:04 pm
(@mscotgrove)
Posts: 938
Prominent Member
 

As you have passed your degree I presume your disability does not prevent use of computer etc.

As an employer I would be slightly concerned by someone who approached me and emphasised the fact they were disabled before they said what their skills were.

Sell your good points first, second and third, and then work on ways your employer can cope with your disability. I did once employ someone in a wheel chair who obtained a special wheel chair to climb the stairs to our first floor (2nd floor for any USA readers) office.

The only disability that would concern me would be if there were major visual problems - I love to look for patterns in hex dumps which I think would be difficult.

Good luck

 
Posted : 05/09/2013 3:32 pm
(@dave_jones123)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hi guys thanks for the replying I think the first point of call would be to ask an employer for tips on my CV. I make a point of making my disability known as is the first thing an employer would see or pick up on straight away. Perhaps applying for more general IT jobs would be a good idea to start with to further my knowledge. I have tried contacting companies offering to work for free but no joy.

 
Posted : 10/09/2013 10:06 pm
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