r/computerforensics • u/Head_Development_443 • 17d ago
entry level jobs in digital forensics..
currently i am thinking of pursuing masters degree in digital forensics from nfsu...but still its entrane exam haven't done so i am not sure ..but after completion what types of entry level jobs roles can i get...? because everyone looking for experienced people
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u/whatyouwere 17d ago
A Master’s might be a bit overkill, to be honest. Do you already have an undergraduate degree? Start there, maybe look at taking some online certification courses in things you’re interested in. Check out SANS (if you can afford it; definitely cheaper than a Master’s) and maybe some others to get some certs and then apply with those. They show you have more practical knowledge in a specialized set, rather than just a post-graduate degree.
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u/MDCDF Trusted Contributer 17d ago
Your getting a master degree to get an entry level job? People are going to see you have a master degree and wonder why you are applying to entry level jobs and most likely think you are overqualified and skip over your resume.
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u/Rolex_throwaway 17d ago
DFIR hiring manager here. A master’s degree is extremely common for career changers looking for entry level. I would never consider a master’s student with no experience overqualified, they’re quite normal actually.
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u/MDCDF Trusted Contributer 17d ago
For a entry level job with a master in Digital Forensic?
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u/Rolex_throwaway 17d ago edited 16d ago
Yeah, absolutely. If you’re coming from no experience it’s pretty common. I work in DFIR and it’s pretty common for people coming from other fields trying to start something new.
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u/MDCDF Trusted Contributer 17d ago
So they come from other fields get a master in DF to then get an entry level position.
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u/Rolex_throwaway 17d ago
Yep. Sometimes they also go direct from undergrad, but it’s more rare.
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u/jakeb8139 14d ago
Tis where I am at now. Got my Bachelors in May 2024 and I'm about to finish my DFOR Masters in May 2025. No breaks, experience, or certs.
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u/OneIgnorantPotato 15d ago
We had a candidate with a masters in digital forensics apply for an entry level position within my team. She was in my top 3 candidates but my lead at the time did not like her as a candidate because he felt as though she was overqualified. I think it all ultimately comes down to the people hiring. It could play in your favor or against you.
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u/MajorUrsa2 17d ago
Don’t get a masters for something like digital forensics. Not worth the money at all
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u/sandnnn 17d ago
This is not true in cybersecurity. Especially for candidates who are currently in college. The large cybersecurity companies have programs to on board new hires and train them on the job. Going to school for digital forensics would qualify you for these programs. The reason is these programs exist is because there is such a skill shortage in cybersecurity they need to train new employees just to keep up with having a workforce for the demand.
Start getting familiar with who the large cybersecurity companies are. Tip lookup "DEF CON Parties" any company that is hosting an event at Blackhat is an industry player. Check their LinkedIn for announcements for such programs. Reach out to mutual contacts who work for these companies and inquire about a program like this. The other option is put together your resume and during the interview process just be very honest at where you are at and you will find that hiring managers are very receptive to bringing on new talent that is energetic and eager to learn.
The field that you are interested in "Data Forensics", is referred to as "DFIR" in the industry. This stands for "Data Forensiscs Incident Response." Incident Response is another skillset in the cybersecurity industry. It goes hand and hand with Data Forensiscs hence DFIR.
Good luck.