How to secure a Computer Forensics work placement
Securing a work placement is a key part of most Computer Forensics (CF) degrees.
In my experience recruiting in this area, successfully completing a placement greatly increases the chances of gaining a full time job in CF upon graduation. In 2010 so far, my company has placed 14 new CF graduates into roles and 12 of those graduates had completed a work placement.
How difficult is it to find a placement
The perceived wisdom is that placements are very hard to find and in my experience this is correct. Essentially, with the explosion of courses (especially here in the UK) there are too many CF undergraduates for placement places.
Due to the small number of places available at CF organisations, I would suggest that you don’t just hold out for a CF placement as any role in IT would be useful as would a position in a legal organisation (especially if you can be based in the litigation support department). Data Recovery work is also closely related to forensics without the security clearance issues, and if you get some physical drive repair skills this will certainly be useful.
How difficult in reality is it to find a placement? Well, although this varies I would suggest that a typical example is one specific UK University I know well where only six students out of twenty-nine taking the CF degree managed to secure any sort of placement in 2010.
What do you need to do?
Reading the forums shows that many students are unclear about the best way of finding a placement. This uncertainty is backed up by the number of enquiries I receive - so far this year, I have received 137 emails from students asking for advice on how to secure a placement during their University course. Below I examine some of the practical issues you need to consider to maximise your chances of success.
1, Timing
It is never too early to contact organisations. One graduate I know made contact with a local HTCU in term one of his degree and arranged regular visits over the course of two years (just for a day to look around and meet the Team). By developing these basic relationships he was invited to join them for a placement year and then went on to work there after graduation. Remember – in the end all recruitment is all about personal relationships – make them like you!
2, Speak to your Lecturers
Some lecturers have excellent contacts in the industry and can help arrange an interview for a placement. Ensure you are proactive in asking your lecturers who they know ASAP – i.e., before all the other people on your Course ask the same question.
3, University Placement Unit
Some Universities - like De Montford for example - have an excellent placement service so make early contact with that Unit. Incidentally, they can also arrange interview training which is always beneficial.
4, Your CV
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to make your CV a document that
sells you well. Decision makers tend to make decisions on your CV in the first
few seconds so it really doesn’t matter how talented or enthusiastic you are,
if your CV isn’t clear and professional, you will not be selected for
interview.
There are numerous free resources on the internet (including this article I wrote last year about writing a graduate CV : http://www.appointments-uk.co.uk/articleAugust2009.php). There really is no excuse for not getting this right.
Finally on this topic ensure your spelling and grammar don’t let you down. This is often a hot topic on the forums and I know of one employer this year who rejected every single application for a placement at his company if he found one single spelling mistake. It is such a simple thing to do so make sure this doesn’t cost you an opportunity.
5, Covering Letter
Keep this document very short, concise and punchy. My advice would be to
include a short opening and closing paragraph along with maybe two/three bullet
points as opposed to a page of dull text.
It sounds a small point, but always include your phone number in a prominent
area as this makes it easy for the decision maker to call you. Again, as in all
this advice, the whole point is to make it easy for the decision maker to
invite you to interview.
6, Specialist websites
Specific placement opportunities are sometimes advertised
here on Forensic Focus. You should also be regularly looking at specific
graduate sites advertising IT placement opportunities such as: http://www.milkround.com and http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
7, Direct contact
Roles advertised on graduate sites tend to attract a large
number of applications so you also need to increase your chances of success by contacting
organisations directly.
Use the wide variety of sources available such as www.linkedin.com to find out who is likely to make the hiring decision and contact them directly via their personal email address. Don’t just send your CV to info@ or HR@ at a certain organisation as it is sloppy, unprofessional and a waste of time as it often won’t reach the decision maker.
Go beyond the obvious. If you haven’t researched it already,
you will be surprised at the number of Public and Private sector organisations
with a CF capability. Generally speaking, those organisations which have a
lower profile and are harder to research will have fewer applications which
means you are more likely to be successful. As always, it really does pay to do
your research thoroughly.
8. Persistence
Many (hopefully all!) the people you contact will be busy with operational
issues and sometimes just aren’t in a position to focus on your CV. Make it
easier for them by chasing them to ensure they have received your CV and
emphasise how keen you are to join their organisation. If they aren’t
recruiting at this time, ask them when they are likely to be recruiting and if
anyone they know is recruiting at this time (CF is still a small community).
Ok, so we don’t want to take it too far and become a borderline stalker, but recruiting plans can change very quickly so if you can establish some sort of relationship with a decision maker you are at least putting yourself firmly in the frame for when they are looking to recruit.
9, Professionalism
This is the first stage of developing your CF career. You should treat this whole process like a professional project. Keep a record of everything you do, everyone you speak with/write to and the results of the communication. This means you always stay in control and can accurately track progress.
10, Invite your favourite specialist recruiter to speak at your University
If you would like an hour of chat about all aspects of finding a CF placement/job delivered in a charismatic, informative way with witty anecdotes then I can’t help you. However, as an alternative I speak annually at a number of Universities and would be delighted to speak at yours so please invite me.
Summary
As I hope I have been able to demonstrate in this short article, a placement is incredibly valuable but not easy to secure. However, the opportunities are out there for the students who are proactive, thoroughly prepared, persistent and professional in their approach to the process.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article please feel free to contact me directly. Good luck!
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