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Looking for a (possible) career change to Computer Forensics

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(@jettamethis)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

I've searched and read but haven't quite found anything more than general advice in terms of career change into this field. So here's my first post to people in 'the-know'.

My previous work history mainly centres around graphic design, printing and marketing. Over the years, I naturally gravitated towards roles that involved both analytical and abstract problem solving (fixing a software problem, repairing a broken copier, streamlining a company's business process, etc). The crux is that I have no formal training (certificates or degrees).

My question is what would you advise as a good first step for getting my foot in the door?

I'm not looking for a short-cut but the most practical way into the field.

Thanks!

 
Posted : 10/08/2015 1:37 pm
(@patrick4n6)
Posts: 650
Honorable Member
 

If you had have said you have a background in computer systems support and problem solving, then I would have said to go for it. You didn't really describe any transferable skills.

That said, since you're in Brisbane, check with QldPol, but they will likely require a B InfoTech.

 
Posted : 10/08/2015 9:27 pm
(@jettamethis)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the honest feedback Tony. Yeah,
Troubleshooting, I can do. Diagnosing, testing, tracking, and documenting are skills I've been using in all of my previous jobs in one form or another (resolving customer complaints, fixing software/hardware issues, creating workflows, creating best practices, etc). It's the specific technical skills (course work, computer certifications, and/or specific software) I don't have. For instance, would getting a CompTIA cert give me a good foot into the field? That's something I can study for and take on my spare time, which works practically for me.

I have the work ethics and personality for this type of work… but if you tell me it'll take 2-4 years worth of formal training or course work before I can even get a foot into the field, then that would be a very strong deterrent.

In saying that, I'll be taking your suggestion and reaching out to the local law enforcement (as well as universities and companies) to see if I can connect with someone that may be able to figure a best next step.

If you had have said you have a background in computer systems support and problem solving, then I would have said to go for it. You didn't really describe any transferable skills.

That said, since you're in Brisbane, check with QldPol, but they will likely require a B InfoTech.

 
Posted : 11/08/2015 5:12 am
(@patrick4n6)
Posts: 650
Honorable Member
 

To get a job you're going to need to get past an HR department, and they are going to use lack of a relevant degree (IT, CompSci, CF) as a basis for exclusion. Back when I started, there was some leeway, but with the number of applicants these days with degrees, it's a simple coarse sorting method to reduce the applicant pool.

 
Posted : 11/08/2015 9:45 pm
BraindeadVirtually
(@braindeadvirtually)
Posts: 115
Estimable Member
 

I've searched and read but haven't quite found anything more than general advice in terms of career change into this field. So here's my first post to people in 'the-know'.

My previous work history mainly centres around graphic design, printing and marketing. Over the years, I naturally gravitated towards roles that involved both analytical and abstract problem solving (fixing a software problem, repairing a broken copier, streamlining a company's business process, etc). The crux is that I have no formal training (certificates or degrees).

My question is what would you advise as a good first step for getting my foot in the door?

I'm not looking for a short-cut but the most practical way into the field.

Thanks!

I don't think there particularly is a one-size-fits-all path into this industry. As others have rightly said, being able to demonstrate some kind of professional IT qualifications and/or experience will be highly valuable, as will academic and/or vendor qualifications, but there's no magic formula.

You might get somewhere by taking a general IT job - contracting perhaps. Get your hands dirty writing scripts, pulling apart PCs/servers etc so you have something to back up your assertion that you have the right technical mindset for this. Go to as many CF/IS events as you can, speak to people, make contacts - here, on LinkedIn, and in person. If you can make a couple of friends who already have their feet under the table that can be exceptionally valuable. Register for free vendor webinars, save up to do a few key certifications - ACE/ENCE are good places to start and are on most job description wish lists in this field.

If you absolutely hammer all of this for 6-12 months you might be surprised by how much more attractive you would look to an employer looking for an entry-level CF person. Connect with a few recruiters with good reputations and stay on their radar every few weeks. Something will come up. Good luck!

 
Posted : 26/08/2015 1:33 pm
(@jettamethis)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the info redcat - very handy suggestions and ones I'll start diving into. Thanks again!

 
Posted : 27/08/2015 2:13 pm
(@davieboy27)
Posts: 9
Active Member
 

I have been working for a large worldwide corporation in forensics for 3 years now. At the start i did not have much practical experience but i had a degree and masters based on forensics.

I would suggest the best way is not to go to law enforcement because they have high profile cases and simply there is not much time given to you to learn, just straight in at the deep end with criminal cases. With no forensic qualifications or experience they would also probably only take you on at a very junior level, if at all. The best way in my opinion is to invest in some certifications or forensic courses, a week long course and then take the certification as these can be valuable to a company. I joined a company where forensics didn't exist internally, so i introduced all the forensics and learnt from the occasional external investigators. This is more difficult though, it is better to try join a company with an established forensic team where you can learn a lot from there experience.

 
Posted : 27/08/2015 5:36 pm
(@patrick4n6)
Posts: 650
Honorable Member
 

Law Enforcement agencies are in my experience - that is having worked for one for many years and knowing many people who do - more likely to provide training than private industry, especially due to the amount of free and heavily subsidised training available from govt training groups and current and former LEOs who volunteer for non-profit LE training.

 
Posted : 27/08/2015 8:56 pm
BraindeadVirtually
(@braindeadvirtually)
Posts: 115
Estimable Member
 

Law Enforcement agencies are in my experience - that is having worked for one for many years and knowing many people who do - more likely to provide training than private industry, especially due to the amount of free and heavily subsidised training available from govt training groups and current and former LEOs who volunteer for non-profit LE training.

I'm inclined to agree - having worked mostly for private sector entities it seems that the training budget is basically nil and has been for a long time now. The only notable exceptions are the actual providers of forensic hardware or software who can usually provide staff with training at cost and there is an obvious benefit to their own employees having some understanding of their own products.

Friends in LE/public sector are on courses far more frequently. Ring fenced budget and different motives behind the training - no LE agency wants their guys having strips torn off them in court because they didn't ensure they were properly trained.

 
Posted : 27/08/2015 9:00 pm
(@jettamethis)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

I have been working for a large worldwide corporation in forensics for 3 years now. At the start i did not have much practical experience but i had a degree and masters based on forensics.

I would suggest the best way is not to go to law enforcement because they have high profile cases and simply there is not much time given to you to learn, just straight in at the deep end with criminal cases. With no forensic qualifications or experience they would also probably only take you on at a very junior level, if at all. The best way in my opinion is to invest in some certifications or forensic courses, a week long course and then take the certification as these can be valuable to a company. I joined a company where forensics didn't exist internally, so i introduced all the forensics and learnt from the occasional external investigators. This is more difficult though, it is better to try join a company with an established forensic team where you can learn a lot from there experience.

Thanks davieboy27. I agree about the certifications. My resume lacks certs and a related degree so I'm studying now to fill those gaps. Right now, in terms of jobs, I'll be happy with anything to get a foot in, even if it means working in a non-related position and moving laterally within a company.

 
Posted : 28/08/2015 9:52 am
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