Good Afternoon,


I was looking for some advice as to how to get into the world of computer forensics. I am located in Chicago and currently attending school for such. Currently have an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology and am a Army Veteran. My professional experience is lacking the specific requirements for the field I am pursuing. Have a little bit of time before I finish my Bachelors, but need a job.


What part-time or even full-time positions should I be looking for that can translate to a successful career as a Forensic Analyst?

Currently applying for positions in cell phone repair, IT help desk, and even medical equipment repair. The goal is to find a "stepping stone" to my final career.



Just found this forum last night and look forward to learning from everyone.



Thank you in advance,

Mike


And if any seasoned veteran (in the Midwest) would like to have a protege that they can teach, mold, yell at, grab coffee, etc. I'm your guy.  

Mike,
Come hell or high water make sure you get your Bachelors degree. You can have all the certifications in the world, but if the key to unlock the door is a four year degree you won't get inside the door without one.
_________________
Ed

I'm not a cellular technology expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. 

I'd change your username also.

This community is very small, and sometimes posts are reviewed, scrutinized, etc. Don't want the name muffhugger to have some negative connotation when it actually means nothing bad to you.
_________________
Why order a taco when you can ask it politely?

Alan B. "A man can live a good life, be honorable, give to charity, but in the end, the number of people who come to his funeral is generally dependent on the weather. " 

- hcso1510

Mike,
Come hell or high water make sure you get your Bachelors degree. You can have all the certifications in the world, but if the key to unlock the door is a four year degree you won't get inside the door without one.

On track to graduate late this year. Thank you!

- armresl

I'd change your username also.

This community is very small, and sometimes posts are reviewed, scrutinized, etc. Don't want the name muffhugger to have some negative connotation when it actually means nothing bad to you.

Thank you for the heads up on this; changed it to my Army MOS's nickname.




Update to my situation for those interested:

Applied at my school's IT Help Desk and was hired on the spot. I am still going to pursue a more relevant position but this is a foot in the door. Thanks for the advice.


-Mike  

Congrats on getting your foot in the door!  

Build your own toolbox. Buy some old harddrives and investigate. Use your tools. Follow the security news. Don't take it for granted, but try to figure out what has happened exactly. Think like a hacker. Read a lot about forensics.
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ICT Security Manager, CHFI, CEH, ECSA, Netherlands