Hello everyone,
I don't know if this is going to be an issue for me or not, but thought I can get some feedback and opinions.
I live in Egypt, and I have been really interested in computer forensics but for two years now I can't seem to find a job here. The field seems to be nonexistent in Egypt. I also have to fund my own training, so I landed a pretty decent paying job (with respect to salaries in Egypt) but it has absolutely nothing to do with computer forensics. However, if I'm smart with my budget planning I can manage to get some online training. I'm currently doing the CCE online course, and hoping to finish that off soon.
But am I setting up myself for inevitable rejections? Is this something an employer may respect, that I went out of my way to try and somehow pay for my training even if it means taking a job that's unrelated? The only thing I have that I can work with, is the fact that my job is a 100% client facing role with some pretty big telecommunication companies in the Middle East.
You need to look at government agencies, and also some of the big Consultancy firms, banks and telcos. Another option is search Forensic vendor sites for resellers/partners in Egypt and contact those companies looking at a presales role and possibly some consultancy work in that area. There are many requirements elsewhere in the Middle East & GCC - so broaden yoru search and realise your role may be more incident response/IT Audit with forensics rather than just forensics to begin with - which i believe sets a good foundation for you as you get started. Good luck.
You need to look at government agencies, and also some of the big Consultancy firms, banks and telcos.
A government agency in Egypt isn't really everyone's dream down here, for many good reasons.
I ripped through most of the big consulting firms and contacted most of them. Seems like their forensics department is stationed somewhere else in the Middle East, like the UAE. In fact, I did get in touch with a couple of people in the UAE.
But I have to get some sort of training if not experience to convince an employer in the UAE to hire me. That's kind of why I was asking if my resume will even be considered. It's going to say that I have a CCE (in the future that is… still working on it. In no way am I claiming that I am already certified) but work experience has nothing to do with forensics.
)
Like I said, not everyone wants to work for the government in Egypt for good reasons… so why not topple it?
Hopefully a new government in Egypt that will emphasize on fighting corruption and fraud will mean a greater demand for computer forensics professionals sometime in the future.
The field seems to be nonexistent in Egypt.
This is a clear statement of opportunity.
I'd suggest you keep learning and start sharing what you've learned at whatever forum you can find.
Start up collaborative study/discussion groups and build up a group of interested folks.
Make it so that any time anyone puts the terms "Egypt" and "forensics" together, they think of you.
Easy eh? wink