I was hoping someone that is in the Computer Forensics field could critique my plan of getting into the Computer Forensics field down the road.
I'm currently 20 years old, and I'm about 2 semesters out from getting my Associate's in Computer Information Technology with a specialization in Computer Security. One of the classes I have recently taken, the CompTIA Network+ prep class (counts as networking class credit), earned me a voucher to take the Network+ exam once for no charge. Obviously, I'd like to pass the exam the first time and will be thoroughly studying to pass this when I take it later this summer. After doing some research, I was also interested in getting the A+, Security+, and MCITP certifications as well.
Since I still have about a year/year-and-a-half left of college, I figure I could make it my goal, if humanly possible, to get those certifications done before I graduate. This way, I can go out job-seeking at 21-22 with an Associate's and four good entry-level certifications. The area I live in doesn't really have a computer forensics demand, but there is plenty of demand for network security analysts and other computer security opportunities.
I'm hoping that with those on my resume, I can potentially get a job in the security field for at least 5 years while I continue my education and work towards at least receiving a bachelor's level degree. That will allow me to eventually go through and get the CISSP certification as well.
After all is said and done, I figured that would be the time I would start working on getting my foot into the door in computer forensics either in a civil/governmental position, or even a more corporate setting.
Advice?
Quick response
Certification can distinguish you from other entry level positions in the field but I wouldn't spend too much money or time looking for that. Experience is what matters and in order to get it, you need to be able to price yourself right for an entry level position which means not being too far in debt. One certification, to show that you are serious, would be good but don't bank on more than that being significantly better.
There are many more entry level jobs out there than senior jobs. Since you are in the US and there are many public sector contracting jobs available which would require some level of security clearance (or the ability to get such), I would suggest that you consider looking at one or more of the major government contractors who might put you in a position to get this.
You need to be thinking about the long term potential, not maximizing short term gains. An entry level position with a firm which is well connected can mean many more opportunities in the future.
Finally, the ability to write, well, to be articulate and to be able to explain things to a non-expert audience (e.g., jury), is essential. If you have any doubts about your ability to write or to speak in public (testify), then spend some time honing those skills. CIS/NCIS make good entertainment but the fact of the matter is that you may need to defend your actions and conclusions in court. Make sure that you devote some of your training to writing and public speaking, especially if you are not comfortable with it.