Hi all,
I am a student in my 2nd year at a UK University studying Computer Forensics.
I have a placement year next year and a big ambition of mine is to go abroad for it, my preferred destinations are either USA or Australia as it has always been a dream to go here.
Not a lot of students from my course have previously gone abroad or even want to, therefore help on this is very limited and overall it is a very difficult challenge.
I have sent over 50 or so emails to companies all over the world, by going on their website and contacting them via email, however I received very little positive feedback and only a few replies.
I don't see why I shouldn't get help on this, just because I am one of the only students wanting to go abroad, just looking for an opportunity and for a step above the competition on my CV.
I was wondering if any one had any advice for placements abroad, or any companies they recommend me to contact? Or alternatively any placement/internship websites that I could have a look at that could help me.
Anything you can provide me with would be much appreciated.
Thanks a lot.
One obstacle you're going to run into in the US is citizenship requirements for obtaining a private investigation license. About 2/3 of our states require PI licenses to do this work, and many of those require US citizenship to obtain a PI license.
I'm not sure how to tell you work work around this, but in my state I would be prevented from hiring you, even as an intern, because you're not a US citizen.
Ok but surely some students have done it before? It doesn't have to specifically be Forensics. I am just generally looking for a computing placement.
After speaking to teachers and lecturers they told me that any sort of IT placement would be better than none at all.
Anyone who has any companies they can think of or anything like that I could contact, would be a big help.
Thanks again.
Try the Big 4 Accounting firms, they have "forensic" teams in the UK, US and Australia. LinkedIn will be your friend in finding the main contacts at each firm (aim for the directors/partners)
I can't speak for the US, but having worked at firms in the UK and Aus you should be able to find someone with the capacity to take you on. If you are under the 31 you can apply for a two year working visa in Australia, I would suggest you do this before contacting anyone, this will make the conversations easier.
Just an FYI, you can build up your skills easily in the UK, gain 3-5 years experience and walk into a job in another country. The forensic/discovery field is booming in the UK!
Good luck.