MSc vs Commerical T...
 
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MSc vs Commerical Training

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(@trevor)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

I am looking to break into the area of Forensic Computing in the UK. I have several years of commerical experience, mostly in the area of programming.

Is it better to undertake an MSc or go on some of the professional courses, for instance EnCase training with Guidence Software?

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 9:31 am
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

Welcome, Trevor. It's a fair question but I'm not sure there's a clear cut answer…both are valid methods of increasing your knowledge and hence "usefulness" in the workplace. I guess it's a horses for courses thing, some environments might prefer one over the other when looking at you as a potential new recruit. My personal preference, were I recruiting someone, would be to value the MSc more highly (assuming it was a good course and you did well on it) because I think a strong foundation in theory is essential. Others, perhaps with a more commercial mindset, might value hands on EnCase experience more highly.

Good luck.

Jamie

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 11:13 am
(@trevor)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you Jamie.

I agree and can appreciate that there is no clear cut answer to this. However I feel its useful to get the perspective of members of the site. The difficultly for me is to balance my resources, time and money to get the best investment.

Trevor

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 11:42 am
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

Yes indeed, it's always something of a balancing act. Do you have a particular career path in mind as far as law enforcement or commercial practice is concerned?

Jamie

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 1:07 pm
(@trevor)
Posts: 4
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Topic starter
 

My preference at the moment would be Law Enforcement. I have an interest in criminal law and in particular the crossover between criminal law and IT.

Regards,

Trevor

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 1:42 pm
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

Right, that being the case I might be tempted to say that the MSc would be seen in a better light than it would be working for one of the commercial outfits. Perhaps someone better qualified than I can comment?

Jamie

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 3:07 pm
(@lewis)
Posts: 11
Active Member
 

Hi Trevor

I am in a similar position. My intention is to set up a forensic computing company and I purchased EnCase FE V5 for this purpose.

I then noticed that a university near me was offering a one year full time MSc in the subject (I have a BSc in Computing and am pursuing an MCSE). This put me in a bit of a predicament. On the one hand I could continue with the business idea as planned, go on an EnCase course, get the EnCE and possibly ACE certification, and hope that the work comes in. On the other, I could bite the bullet and go for the MSc.

After very careful consideration I believe the latter option will give me a greater chance of success. It will mean tightening the purse strings for a year but I trust the qualification, on completion, will open more doors and give me greater credibility in the field.

I intend to gain the EnCE while I am studying (using the MSc forensic classroom training in lieu of EnCase specific training). If I do decide however that I need to go on an EnCase course to properly learn the tool then I can do so on completion of the MSc.

This is all assuming that I get on the MSc???

Good luck in whatever choice you make.

Regards

Lewis

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 4:38 pm
(@trevor)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hi Lewis,

I am considering a part time MSC or PgDip but I need to do some more investigation work and weigh up the alternatives.

I am strongly considering the Incident Response, Forensic Analysis and Discovery course from Guidence Software as a first step later this year.

Best of luck with your plans,

Trevor

 
Posted : 20/06/2005 5:58 pm
(@fatrabbit)
Posts: 132
Estimable Member
 

I'm glad to see that there are other people wrestling with the MSc/BSc vs Certification problem. I do agree that an academic qualification will lend you more credibility with regard to a sound grasp of the basics. Tough choice though when you factor in the time, money and effort.

 
Posted : 28/06/2005 10:10 pm
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

Yes indeed, it's a tricky question and one where perhaps some element of luck is the final arbiter if the right choice has been made when you start looking for a first position.

Of course, there is another school of thought which says the "best" way is to try to find a very low level entry position without any forensic qualifications and then grow within the organisation (and let them pay for your training). If you can show that you're honest, intelligent and willing to work for a wage which reflects your lack of current qualifications then I'm sure there are a number of organisations which would consider you for a position. Once you've got on that first rung of the ladder, things get easier…

Jamie

 
Posted : 29/06/2005 1:00 pm
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