Computer Forensics Job Steps

In the field of computer forensics, whether you are more interested in the public or private sector employment as a computer forensic examiner, a college degree in a technology discipline is quickly becoming as important to employers in terms of minimum requirements as it is to the recent graduate in terms of its marketability. Understanding the computer forensics job steps will help you towards a career in the field.

There are now associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees available in computer forensics available from numerous post-secondary educational institutions. Certificates in computer forensics are also becoming more popular at the college and university level. Getting real-world experience in forensics is invaluable, and more and more graduates are turning to volunteer work and internships in computer forensics. Certifications are also an essential part of being marketable to computer forensics employers.

Computer Forensics Jobs: The Steps to Landing a Job in the Field

Here are computer forensics job steps that employers, both private and public sector, recommend and qualities that they look for when making hiring decisions:

• A degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s) in computer forensics, computer science, criminal justice, or any other IT discipline.
• An internship or volunteer work opportunity in the computer forensic field. Many law enforcement agencies and computer forensic companies offer internships to college students. This will prepare the student with the knowledge of important areas in the forensic field, such as, chain of custody procedures, forensic acquisition of digital media, and forensic analysis.
• Individual study and research. There is a wealth of information surfacing on the computer forensic field. These include books, website forums, blogs, and websites set up with test images and scenarios.
• Certifications are an essential part of being marketable in the computer forensic field. There are vendor specific certifications such as the EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) from Guidance Software or AccessData Certified Examiner from Access Data, or there are more general certifications such as the Certified Computer Examiner.
• Some employers seek very specific skills, like significant experience with a specific technology or field. Recently, employers, both private and public, have sought candidates with extensive experience in database design and technology, programming, network security, use of popular computer forensics and e-discovery applications, and Unix and Linux systems.