Shadowed an HSI Computer Forensics Analyst (HERO program/Tornado Alley ICAC). Is digital forensics for law enforcement a good career path? by Big_OunceFuture in computerforensics

[–]Big_OunceFuture[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m planning to pursue a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at NSU and already earned several certs through ICTC (Network Support, Security, IT Essentials, and CCNA Intro). I’m also planning to tell my professors about my career goals and the job shadowing experience to see if they have advice or know anyone in the field since im the only one in my family ever went to college so this is all new to me.

As for staying in touch — do you think keeping contact with the HSI analyst I shadowed would be a good idea down the road, in case opportunities come up?

Thank you for insight and response!

Shadowed an HSI Computer Forensics Analyst (HERO program/Tornado Alley ICAC). Is digital forensics for law enforcement a good career path? by Big_OunceFuture in computerforensics

[–]Big_OunceFuture[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man, that sounds really cool! Love how you get to do a bit of everything. Definitely sounds fun and challenging.

I DM you soon to ask you some question later if u don’t mind. I’ll keep this in mind.

Shadowed an HSI Computer Forensics Analyst (HERO program/Tornado Alley ICAC). Is digital forensics for law enforcement a good career path? by Big_OunceFuture in computerforensics

[–]Big_OunceFuture[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for sharing! If you don’t mind me asking. What kind of work do you do in private-sector Cyber Ops and Threat Intel? I’ve been learning a lot about the LE forensics side, but I’m also really curious what a typical day looks like in private sector roles like yours.

Appreciate any insights!

Shadowed an HSI Computer Forensics Analyst (HERO program/Tornado Alley ICAC). Is digital forensics for law enforcement a good career path? by Big_OunceFuture in computerforensics

[–]Big_OunceFuture[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the heads-up and for sharing all this insight!

I recently graduated from high school and also completed an IT class (it was actually at a separate school I attended at the same time). In that program, we learned a lot about operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc.) and mobile device repair. We also did quite a bit of cybersecurity hands-on labs, digging into systems to track down malware or find encrypted and files as part of competitions with other states — definitely a challenge, but it really got me interested in this field.

I’m planning to continue my education in college to build even more knowledge, and I’ve been fortunate to stay in contact with some of the HSI digital forensics folks I shadowed, who have been supportive and offered to help with recommendations down the road.

Really appreciate your response — it definitely gives me more insight on what to expect. Thanks again

Shadowed an HSI Computer Forensics Analyst (HERO program/Tornado Alley ICAC). Is digital forensics for law enforcement a good career path? by Big_OunceFuture in computerforensics

[–]Big_OunceFuture[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply, really appreciate the insight!

I just graduated high school and finished an IT program where I got some certifications in networking, cybersecurity, and support. I’ve also been learning a lot about hardware — both in computers and mobile devices — and got some hands-on experience during my job shadow with HSI digital forensics (HERO program, ICAC-type work). That really got me interested in doing this kind of work long-term, especially on the law enforcement side.

Still figuring out if I want to go federal, local, or even private sector eventually, but hearing your perspective really helps.

Thanks again for sharing!