Hi,
I'm a recent forensic computing MSc graduate based in the East Midlands (near Derby). The past few months have been spent looking for entry-level jobs in the Midlands area without success, and I'm now starting to seriously consider a move to London.
I know the streets won't be paved with computer forensic jobs, but there are certainly more job alerts dropping into by inbox for London that there are around here.
I've already sought advice on whether this would be a good move from one expert in the field, I'd now like to gather other opinions here if you'd be so kind!
It's a big move and not my first choice, but I've invested a lot of time and money in getting to where I am now and don't want to 'make do' with any old IT job in the hope that something more suitable might come along.
Does London offer better job opportunities for an MSc graduate who lacks real-world experience but has knowledge and a desire to learn and make a career in computer forensics?
Thanks in advance!
I graduated from a Midlands university, I live in the Midlands and managed to find an entry level job in the Midlands it took awhile, I had started looking on my placement year two yrs before I graduated, but that was two years ago and I appraciate times have changed.
I have seen that there are more entry level jobs in London then anywhere else, but also there are more experienced hire job in London more then anywhere else.
Intaforensic is recruiting at the moment and they are a not that far from you have you tried them?.
When you say 'lack real world experience' are you talking about forensic experience or IT in general?
When I applied two years ago I did not have much forensic experience but did have a lot of various IT skills from help desk, to hardware technician and I even worked as a network engineer on my placement and all that 'experience' helped me get my current job in forensics. Even though you do not want any old IT job, whilst waiting for your dream job would you consider any IT job for experience?
I considered London when I graduated and I guess in you situation it may be a good idea, but if it not you first choice and you end up hating where you live, you may end up hating going to work even though it the job you want to do (only my opinion)
would you consider commuting Stafford and Birmingham are on the main London line and depending on train you could be in Euston in 1hr30 so you could still live near to where you are now and work in London.
I know I haven't technically answered you question but I hope my 2pence helps.
thanks for your reply, diesel.
I did apply for a couple of roles at Intaforensics, but wasn't successful - I'm assuming it was due to my lack of real-world forensic experience. I've not seen any/many more jobs coming up in the Midlands though, just the recent forensic analyst job there. I have work experience (IT support), just missing the all-important forensic experience (other than hands-on stuff at uni).
I would and have considered going back to a support role, but I'm worried that the more time I spend out of forensics, the less desirable I will be to employers. My ideal scenario is to get into forensics asap and start building up that valuable experience.
I see what you mean about commuting and I'm ready now to commute to Birmingham/Stafford if the right job comes along, but I think I'd rather move to (or near to) London than move from where we are not to anywhere else nearby just to have the train access.
thanks again!
I take it you plan on finding work before you move to London? Have you spoken to any recruiters? get them to send your cv to potential employers. the big 4 tend to hire a lot of graduates, so that may be the place to start.
I'm worried that the more time I spend out of forensics, the less desirable I will be to employers
The more time you spend not working in IT the less desirable you will be to employers.
I take it you plan on finding work before you move to London? Have you spoken to any recruiters? get them to send your cv to potential employers. the big 4 tend to hire a lot of graduates, so that may be the place to start.
Hi LarryD, yes I'm starting to apply for jobs now and will have to travel down for interviews, etc.
Recruiters - yes, a few. one has nothing for someone at my level, others I'm keeping in contact with and am hoping to hear back from.
the big 4 are on my list too, and obviously I've signed up with many job sites for email job alerts.
I'm worried that the more time I spend out of forensics, the less desirable I will be to employers
The more time you spend not working in IT the less desirable you will be to employers.
yes, tis true, but having only recently finished the course I want to throw everything at the forensics jobs first. I around 10 years general IT work experience (mainly support).
For now at least I want to make finding a job a full time job, plus some self-teaching stuff to keep the mind busy!