Digital (or Computer) 'Forensics' is relatively new to the picture - TV programmes such as 'Crime Scene Investigation' might have made us aware of it. The physical reality of 'Computer Forensics' is very much less glamorous than pictured in these shows (clearly!) But for many, it provides a very intriguing and rewarding role in technology based exploration. A Computer Forensics professional will trace and interpret 'digital artefacts' which can often be utilised to resolve crimes.

Seated between Digital Forensics & Security, is the field of Ethical-Hacking. The Certified Ethical Hacker ('CEH') & the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator('CHFI') are medium - high level certifications offered by the EC-Council.

Some training providers will provide a useful Job Placement Assistance facility, to help you into your first commercial role. The need for this feature can be bigged up out of proportion though - it's quite easy for their marketing department to overplay it. In reality, the massive skills shortage in Great Britain is the reason you'll find a job.

Whatever you do, don't procrastinate and wait until you have finished your training before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start a course, enter details of your study programme and tell people about it! You might not even have qualified when you will get your initial junior support position; however this is not possible unless your CV is with employers. Most often, a specialist independent regional employment agency (who will get paid commission to place you) will be more pro-active than a centralised training company's service. They should, of course, also be familiar with the area and local employers better.

In a nutshell, as long as you focus the same level of energy into landing a position as into training, you won't have any problems. A number of students inexplicably conscientiously work through their training course and do nothing more once certified and seem to suppose that interviewers know they're there.

There are a variety of specialist MCSEs from MS, that offer options such as Security or Messaging if that's the path you need. You may elect to look at Security+ with CompTIA, and then the Certified Information Systems Security Professional ('CISSP'). Before you choose this particular route though you need to be aware about the amount of professional experience necessary for the 'CISSP'. As usual, we advise talking with an experienced IT training advisor in order to avoid any kind of misunderstandings.

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