i am currently doing my software engineering and as of now my main career option is one as a computer forensics investigator. so after i obtain a bachelors degree in computer engineering i plan to obtain a masters degree in computer forensics. if there are any employers out there would i be hired with these qualifications and more importantly would i get far with these qualifications? is this a solid plan or is there an alternate path i sjould take? should i maybe obtain a masters degree in criminal justice as well as computer forensics?
Greetings,
Is your goal to get a job, or to get more education and then get a job? If your goal is to get a job, go out and get one now. The two to four years you spend getting a masters degree could be spent getting hands on experience and working your way up in a company. It is also two to four years more income and less debt.
I also think you'll get more out of the masters program after you've developed some real world experience and figured out where your interests lie.
One point against this opinion is that the job market is pretty tight at the moment. If you cannot get a job in the field, then spending the time getting an education might make sense.
-David
Greetings,
I agree that is excellent advice as I will be graduating with my Bachelor's in Computer Crime and seeking a Master's in Criminal Law, you are right to state getting in a job now. I too believe that with experience hands on does help to narrow the range of exactly what in detail of being an investigative Forensic Agent is about, there are many areas, and being around those whom have the experience and doing the job will be a bonus. If one does feel incline to continue education may I suggest doing it online with a reputable university.
Dee J.
ok but will i be able to get a job in the field of computer forensics and closely related to a career as an investigative Forensic Agent with only a bachelors degree in computer engineering??
Greetings,
Your profile suggests that you are in India. I don't know anything about the employment culture there as it applies to computer forensics. In the US, you would be able to do so if you were willing to take an entry level position or could get into the firm as a software engineer and then move over.
There's a job posted on the Chicago craigslist site for a computer forensics engineer with SQL experience. It implies that they'll be doing software development related to forensics. It is for $30 an hour which, in Chicago for an engineer, is pretty close to entry level.
-David
and what about if i want to get a job that is closely related to criminal justice? then would that be possible with only a bachelors degree in computer engineering? i have no problem with starting at the bottom and plan to move to the usa after i finish my engineering
Greetings,
The answer is "It all depends."
The economy is pretty awful right now, but there are still jobs out there, particularly if you're motivated. Spend time getting to know people, electronically and in person. If they trust you, they'll help you find positions that may not be advertised.
Most law enforcement agencies will hire right out of high school, a college degree isn't required. However, you'll often end up doing a lot of other things before you do forensics, and then you'll only do forensics for a couple of years before being rotated to some other area.
Also, most LE agencies require US citizenship.
Bottom line - a bachelors degree will get you an awfully long way. I'd invest your time in getting a job rather than getting another degree unless there is a specific position that you want that requires that degree. And even then I'd probably go look for something else that didn't require that degree…..
Mind you, I'm about to apply for a masters in criminal justice, but I'm doing it because I'm interested in the education and not because it'll help me get any particular job. I'll also work on the degree while working nearly full time.
-David
Greetings,
I have been following your post. David is correct, networking is what I have also been told. My professors encourage me to be relentless in the search because it is a numbers game. I am graduating at the end of this year with my Bachelors in computer crime as noted and this is a growing field situation status quo is getting the job first and it may not be forensics at first but any position in law enforcement is a helpful start to laterally move in the direction catering towards your degree. We have to pay somewhat dues you know, and then again one might just start where the degree is, in their respected and goal oriented career.