I'm a mature student currently studying a BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics & Security (2nd year), and part of my degree is to do a mandatory placement for one year. However, due to the economic status in the UK today - and that I do think we need a broader understanding of US Law as well as our own country; I am opting for a US based placement - and due to age, etc - I have to seek a paid placement (I can't do it voluntary (it'd cripple me financially), as I also have a family back in the UK).
Currently, I have to make these preparations at least six months in advance; so I opted for a year just to be on the safe side. My appointed lecturer in this subject is insisting that we send out these speculative letters now before all the places are filled.
In 2005, I underwent vetting conducted by the Ministry of Defence and achieved Developed Vetting clearance; naturally I have signed the Official Secrets Act. So attaining security clearance in the USA should not be a problem.
I have been involved in the IT field professionally for well over a decade; and since 2004, have been working as a freelance systems investigator. Prior to entering the IT field, I was a firearms officer for three years and before then, was an antiquarian book specialist (so am well used to long hours of research, cross-referencing, etc - which has proved a useful skill set to have when it's all been combined).
And that's effectively me in a nutshell. Has anyone any tips or suggestions on what or where I should try? Or anytips in general? I have started sending out speculative letters, but only a few have returned any interest.
Thanks.
Hi Dave,
Any progress yet?
I don't know of anyone who has done this before or anyone from the US who has completed a placement in the UK. Whilst this is no reason for you not to be successful I would still suggest that you don't to rule out a UK placement.
The only tips I would give you are the usual ones for achieving success with speculative applications
- ensure your CV is in excellent shape;
- send your CV to a named person who is able to make decisions;
- select a contact as senior in the organisation as possible;
- be persistent.
Good luck.
David.
Hi Dave,
Any progress yet?
I don't know of anyone who has done this before or anyone from the US who has completed a placement in the UK. Whilst this is no reason for you not to be successful I would still suggest that you don't to rule out a UK placement.
The only tips I would give you are the usual ones for achieving success with speculative applications
- ensure your CV is in excellent shape;
- send your CV to a named person who is able to make decisions;
- select a contact as senior in the organisation as possible;
- be persistent.Good luck.
David.
Hi David,
No, nothing as yet. I've had one query from a former student in the UK who suggested to keep on at doing the UK based forensics; but nothing in relation to USA.
But thanks for the tips, and I'll keep plugging away at it. D