Are there any Forensic Computing companies out there that would need some help over the summer months ?
I have sixteen years experience in ICT; initially in Voice and Data comms for the Army and more recently programming for a top 10 UK Insurance company. I decided to combine my knowledge to specialise in the field of Forensic Computing.
I am currently studying for a degree in Forensic Computing and would like to gain some experience over the summer months.
Would you or your company be willing to allow me work to work with them ?
many thanks
Kevin Bownes
Would this not get a better response in "Getting Started"?
Moved.
Jamie
Hi Kevin,
I imagine it is pretty tough to get the experience you are looking for but I do know of at least two people who secured a short , summer placement last year. The best advice I can give you is to contact the MD's of the major companies in this area and make it clear you are happy to work for nothing and, as well as gaining experience useful for you, that you are happy to do anything that would help the company ie, stuffing envelopes, making the tea etc. Although it sounds trivial, make sure that your telephone number is prominent on your note so that if you catch the person in a helpful mood it is easy for them to call you right away!
Best of luck,
David.
Thank you very much for the advice it is appreciated.
It seems that this is a difficult industry to break into but I am prepared to do whatever it takes.
I have already started collating a list of companies and MD's names to send letters to. I knew the post was a long shot and understand that the nature of forensic computing means people have to be cautious in who they employ.
From experience i know that hard work pays off so i will keep chasing all possible avenues to break into the industry whilst i study for my degree and am sure that one day i will get to put my experience and new found knowledge to good use.
thanks again.
Kevin
Don't forget to follow it up with a phone call!
I did exactly as David described and found that after a couple of weeks working for free and making myself invaluable I had managed to get a job and totally change my career direction. Having had some involvement in the sifting of CV's since, I'm convinced that without that experience I'd have stood very little chance of getting a job in computer forensics.
Good luck.
DJ
I have sixteen years experience in ICT; initially in Voice and Data comms for the Army
the nature of forensic computing means people have to be cautious in who they employ
You have, at some point, had a certain level of security clearance. This can be a useful point to emphasise aswell. The organisation you are trying to get into may need its staff to be cleared and successful vetting in the past could remove some of the uncertainty.
DJ,
It is encouraging to hear that one can gain some experience by working for free and that experience can lead to a successful position within the industry.
Thanks for your sound advice I will ensure that I chase up my letters with a phone call to the companies. There aren't many things where military clearance is an advantage but I can see how it may help in the Forensic computing community.
regards
Kevin Bownes