A solid understanding of computers is fundamental to being a good forensic analyst, more so than almost any other skill or training. Anyone can be taught to image drives, fill out chain of custody forms, and run EnScripts. Someone that has a deep understanding and appreciation for computers on a fundamental level (CompSci majors usually fit this role) that is serious about forensics however, will ultimately make the better analyst.
IT experience is not wasteful unless you're doing basic helpdesk phone support.
Consider going for your Master's. It'll put you way ahead of the bachelor's crowd.
Another thing to think about it not only doing Forensics. There is Network Security or Cyber Security. These are both interesting and will get your foot in the door and then maybe if the company is large enough you could move laterally into the Forensics dept (if they have one) after you pick some stuff and prove yourself.
Don't limit yourself to just CF, it's a small field.
Consider going for your Master's. It'll put you way ahead of the bachelor's crowd.
I disagree. Who's more employable? Person A with a undergrad CF degree and 18 months desktop experience or Person B with an undergrad degree and a postgrad degree? No question, the guy with hands-on software and hardware experience. And don't forget, a master's degree will cost you £££.
My advice echoes that of others; take any job whereby day-in and day-out you'll be dealing with IT. Get used to the world of IT and solving problems relating to budgets, regulations, difficult clients, etc.
Consider going for your Master's. It'll put you way ahead of the bachelor's crowd.
I disagree. Who's more employable? Person A with a undergrad CF degree and 18 months desktop experience or Person B with an undergrad degree and a postgrad degree? No question, the guy with hands-on software and hardware experience. And don't forget, a master's degree will cost you £££.
My advice echoes that of others; take any job whereby day-in and day-out you'll be dealing with IT. Get used to the world of IT and solving problems relating to budgets, regulations, difficult clients, etc.
I'd strongly agree with Jonathan. I think a Masters is more useful to do while your employed within the industry rather than before you've attained your first position.
As you are UK based you might find these links interesting. I actually came to INFOSEC via a strange route. 10 Para TA as an infantryman/signaller back in the 1980's, NSW Police and Queensland Prison Service in the 1990's followed by UN Security in the 00's. My hobby was Linux/BSD/Solaris from about 1999 onwards after I got hacked on a Windows 98 system. While in the UN a internal vacancy came up in Information Security. My boss at the time (ex Army Intelligence and GCHQ) had a choice of getting an IT guy and teaching him security or getting a knuckle dragging physical security guy and developing network skills. My good fortune was that he chose the security guy mainly due to the way I taught myself Linux. Since then I have had the good fortune to go on to SANS courses, etc.
Private industry like people with Police or Military backgrounds. It means you are seriously vetted. Also having it on your background just adds to your credibility in court. (Note I am well aware of many excellent INFOSEC professionals who do not have military or police service. I am just saying it looks good on the CV.)
The first Link is for the Land Information Assurance Group (LIAG) which is part of the Territorial Army.
http//
While you may not have " at least 5 years professional [Information Assurance] experience;" it may pay to send them an email to see if they can provide you with guidance on where else in the TA you could gain useful skills, gain real world experience as well as serve your country.
The second link is from a person who is doing a career change from Computing. She got some of her experience as a Special Constable and with the TA.
http//
I am sure you will get a job but it won't happen without some combination of luck and experience.
"You make your own luck, Gig. You know what makes a good loser? Practice."
Ernest Hemingway speaking to his son Gregory, as quoted in 'Papa, a Personal Memoir' (1976) Gregory H. Hemingway
I hope you find this useful.
I went from an E-Discovery only job (which sucked) into IT and then back into forensics - the key is too keep your eyes on the prize. If you want it badly enough then you can get it.
People may say don't use agencies but I'm my opinion they haven't failed me yet. I used warnerscott recruitment who were great which I'm sure features on here. Drop them an email?
Oh and i did my masters right after my BSC. Worked fine for me but thats up for you to decide )
Such a great amount of advice coming from this thread. Clearly the economy has been unkind to specialization fields. And even the more mainstream network admin jobs have taken a toll as well. After reading through the above posts, I think the best advice I see there and what I would suggest is to see if you can't get on in a more traditional role as a network administrator at a larger company or government agency, learn what you can and at the same time looking for ways that you can utilize your training in that role.
I've done this myself as I work as a contracted IT consultant now. When opportunities present themselves to show what I know, I take that and run with it. Point out the observations you see to your manager. Help them identify a security issue on the network and most importantly give them a solution as well. If they see you can do the job to fix the issue, it could help you transition into that role. Or even better, give you the opportunity where they create a new position to fit your unique skill set. As mentioned many times, don't give up on the end goal. Just find new ways to achieve that goal.
Congrats on the excellent scores in school and I wish you the best luck in your career!
Steve Eason