Employment Tips for Students and Graduates

Some may have seen this in the newsletter already but I thought it was worth reproducing here too

Employment Tips for Students and Graduates

by Carl Shanks

Introduction

I am a Forensic Computing graduate from the class of 2009. When I graduated, I did find useful career advice, however I often found myself asking the question, “Why hasn't someone told me this before?” Most of the challenges and problems that I had to overcome are things that I certainly didn't see coming. Hopefully, what I have written will give you a small leg up into finding your first career job. Some of this information may not be relevant to you if you have had a job before, however you probably will find some of the information valuable if you have never applied for a job in the Forensic Computing industry.

1.0 Thinking Ahead

1.1 Clean Slate (This applies from year 1)

The most important thing when considering a career in Forensic Computing is presenting a respectable image of yourself to any prospective employer. More so than most other graduate jobs, the Forensic Computing profession will require extensive vetting. A few things that you need to consider are

Finances Be careful to keep your finances in good order. Most jobs will, at a minimum, perform a credit reference check - probably more! This doesn't just concern your bank account, it also means paying bills on time, etc.

Criminal Records It is certain that for a job in Forensic Computing, you will go through criminal record checks. Employers will be looking for responsible candidates, so even a minor offence may seriously hinder your chances of employment. Think about your behaviour when you are out at night. Don't forget file sharing can give you a criminal record. If you have an Internet contract in your name, keep an eye on your housemates!

Drugs Some people may know that with a job in Forensic Computing, you will have to undertake a drugs test. What people don't normally know is the extent of these tests. Certain tests can show usage as far back as 12 months - it will be more than just a urine test. Be careful near friends, even passive intake can hinder your career.

Plagiarism You will probably have been warned about this at university. Employers often ask if you have an offence against you, and they can check this with the university.

Social Networking You may have read about people losing their jobs over remarks about their boss on Facebook. With Forensic Computing, it is important to remember that it can go much further than this. Before applying for any jobs, consider what people may be able to find out about you on the Internet. Consider social networking sites as a second CV. Make sure all pictures, comments, interests, groups, blogs, forum posts etc. that can be linked to you are safe for employers to view. The best way is to assume that anything you post on the Internet regardless of your privacy settings may be viewed by your future employer.

1.2 Paperwork (This applies from the beginning of year 3)

Application forms can be very extensive. Make sure you have a good record of all your important documents, for example school/college certificates, valid passport, birth certificate, bank statements etc.

1.3 Competency Questions (This applies from the beginning of year 3)

It is almost guaranteed that you will be asked to write and talk about competency questions. These can become extremely tiring to write, but if you think ahead and make notes it will be a very easy process. The best advice that I found is available at http//www.forensicfocus.com/graduates

The one thing that I would add is that it may be worth keeping a journal during your final year of important events (e.g presentations) so that you will have plenty of material when it comes to writing your answers. If you haven't had a job before, it may be worth trying to get a bit of experience, even if this is a few hours a week or a volunteer job.

1.4 Project (This applies from the beginning of year 3)

Your course leader has almost certainly told you many times how important your project is. This couldn't be emphasised more. When you turn up for your first job interview, it will become immediately apparent how important a final year project is. Presenting your project could easily be the biggest part of your interview. From my experience, I have had to talk for up to 30 minutes on my projects alone! The grade isn't the only important aspect of your project. It gives you great material to answer competency questions on time management, overcoming obstacles, creativity, analysing information and so on.

1.5 Length of the Application Process (This applies at the beginning of year 3)

The graduate job market is very different to the job market that you may be used to. It will likely be months between your application and your start date. Almost all applications will require you to attend many interviews and assessment centres. Even after being offered a job, security vetting may take up to 12 months! Don't expect to be starting a job straight away. It is often the case that you can apply for grad schemes up to a year before finishing university. If you think ahead now, you could have a job waiting for you upon graduation and save yourself from months of waiting. In the last section, I have listed a few organisations that are worth checking out early on.

2.0 Finishing University

2.1 CV

It may seem obvious but it is important to stress how vital it is to create a good CV. Although everyone has a different opinion I recommend the template available at http//www.forensicfocus.com/graduates

2.2 Job Centre

As mentioned earlier it may take a while for you to find or even begin your first Forensic Computing job. You can sign on at the job centre from the day your course officially ends (normally mid July, but check!) Forensic Computing is a specialised area, therefore the information provided at the job centre may be of little use. The job centre can however help you with the costs involved in job hunting such as CV printing, postage, a suit for interviews and travel expenses. Don't underestimate how quickly these costs can add up!

2.3 Traps to Avoid

At the moment Forensic Computing is a niche career. Websites such as Reed and Monster can easily eat into your time with minimal results. Before writing a lengthy cover letter check to see when the job advert was posted and, if possible, how many people have applied (many sites show you this information). Although I wouldn't recommend ignoring these websites, it is important to note that I did not come across a single entry level Forensic Computing vacancy in three months of job hunting.

Keep an eye on career fairs but if you can't make it to one that has taken your interest, try and get hold of a list of companies present at the fair. Often the information given out at the fair can be found on the careers section of a company's website.

2.4 Interviews

Again, the best information for interview techniques is available on the web. Some advice specific to Forensic Computing can be found at http//www.forensicfocus.com/your-first-computer-forensic-job-interview

A few things that I can add from experience

- Google News is a great place to research into a company's background.
- When preparing for an interview be focused on what is relevant and don't spend hours researching obscure information.
- Refresh your memory on the different aspects of your final year modules (mainly the ones you have mentioned on your CV!)
- As mentioned earlier, be prepared to talk in detail about your final year project.

2.5 Don't give up!

Searching for your first job will be very stressful and is likely to take a long time. You may receive many rejections, ranging from having a speculative application ignored to being told you came 2nd out of 8 people in an interview. Stay positive, and most importantly stay in contact with key people such as recruiters and your fellow classmates. It is easy to talk yourself into having a few weeks off, but this is likely to put you back to square one. With every interview, plan for the worst outcome. Even if you felt the interview went well, keep applying for jobs.

3.0 Organisations You May Be Interested In

Many organisations will have Forensic Computing departments but will not recruit graduates directly into them. You may find it worth considering a different entry-level role within the company and asking at the interview stage about the possibility of moving into the forensic department.

This list (for the UK) will contain companies that you may find interesting. I have listed companies that may specialise in other areas of interest such as security or E-discovery. It is provided mainly to get the ball rolling for you, and to give you a place to start.

The Security Service (MI5)
The Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
The Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG)
Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre (HMGCC)
The police (check different regions)
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
National Health Service (NHS)
Exxon Mobil
IBM
Intel
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Thales
Vega Consulting
Disklabs
7Safe
Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT)
Zentek Forensics Ltd
EDS (now merged with HP)

Finally, good luck with your job hunt. If you would like to ask me any questions about the above, feel free to contact me on carljohnshanks@gmail.com. Please note, however, that at the time of writing I have only just graduated and am about to start my first Forensic Computing job. The only thing that I can offer you that you don't already know is three months of job hunting!