Irons, Alastair

Stephens, P

English

Sunderland University Institutional Repository

Irons, Alastair and Stephens, P (2011) Employability from Computer Forensics Programmes.  In:   7th   HE  Academy   ICS  Workshop   on  Teaching   Computer Forensics, 10 Nov 2011, University of Sunderland, England.Downloaded from: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/3449/Usage guidelinesPlease refer to the usage guidelines at http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/policies.html or alternatively contact sure@sunderland.ac.uk.Employability from Computer Forensics Programmes  Alastair Irons University of Sunderland & Paul Stephens Canterbury Christ Church University  Objectives • Consider employability for computer forensics graduates in computer forensics and in other computing jobs • Share case studies from graduates to indicate range of opportunities • Discuss impact on curriculum  Why Consider Employability ? • As we move towards Sept 2012 indications are that students and potential students will be much more focussed on employment opportunities • Getting employability right will lead to a virtuous spiral with more students coming onto our programmes Potential Issues to Consider • Are students in a position to work in computer forensics environment ? – Curriculum coverage – Practical experience • Security clearance • Types of student jobs – Awareness  • “Different” expectations from employers • Saturated job market Other Employability Considerations • Are there computer forensics jobs out there for graduates? – Large firms, SMEs, set up own company ? • Does it matter – Pragmatically ? – Morally ?   • Are computer forensics employers ready for graduates ? • Balance between education and experience • Accreditation ?? • Are computer forensics students in a position to do other computing jobs ? Student 1 – Forensic Job • Starting applying in Autumn of previous year for the ‘Milk Round’ • Working for Law Enforcement HTCU Student 2 – Security Job • Starting applying in Autumn of previous year for the ‘Milk Round’ • Working for Security Services – Should we even be sharing this information ?? – Can we use in publicity ?? Student 3 – KTP Associate • Graduate employed as associate for KTP  • Built on long standing relationship with employer Student 4 – Further Study • Applied in March for a funded place for further study • Funded MSc Student 5 – ‘Career Change’ • Applied in March for a funded place for further study • Funded PGCE Place • Now teaching • Has asked about MSc study! Student 6 – Widened the Search • Didn’t apply at the right time for anything but decided to go for a general computing job • PC Support at a school  Top reasons not to get a job/further study • Not applying at the right time • Not widening the search to encompass all computing jobs • Not widening the search to encompass all jobs requiring “graduateness”  • Not understanding the application/testing/interview process What have we done about it? • Employability and Careers Service sessions on applications/testing/interviews • Good Links with PGCE guys at CCCU • MSc at CCCU • Recommendations for other postgraduate study (findamasters.com and findaphd.com) • Let me know about your own postgraduate programmes!   Summary • There are issues particular to computer forensics in identifying employment opportunities  • Need to work closely with computer forensics employers to allow for graduate pathway – In understanding job requirements – Getting employers to engage in curriculum design / delivery  

Employability from Computer Forensics Programmes

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