Career Change (maybe)

[TIN CAN]

Basically considering my options re: career change nearly 30 and now is the time for change. Not going to advise who i work for but my job remit basically is:

I investigate and deal with complaints and this means sometimes taking statements, interviewing persons and reporting them for offences (PACE Interviews etc). Attending court and giving evidence, preparing reports for board/committee, presenting reports. Also larger investigations into companies albeit in a specialised area.

Its a lot more in depth but as you can see i enjoy investigating and think i want to look into investigations in another area. I enjoy this type of work but was thinking about computer forensics or similar. I know my way around a computer but thats about it but would consider any qualification subject to me affording the course etc.

Whats peoples views on this, would i stand a chance of getting a job in this area or similar if i took the relevant courses?, also what courses should i look at?

Comments please

[jackdaniels]

My friend works for a data forensics company and the things you describe sounds exactly like what he does. Where are you based and i can ask to see if his company are hiring. They have offices around the UK.
My mate worked as 1-2nd line support before he got this job and they sent him on courses so maybe try to get a job first and they will cover the cost of courses.

[TIN CAN]

based just outside milton keynes off M1 J14 in Northants......so ideally based for most locations, right money travel is not an issue.

I am keen to study at home or do what it takes although money would be an issue so taking a cut in wages would have to be after careful consideration..........currently on 30k lol......have been checking out the local 'OU' to see what they do or can offer too....

Thanks for the post mate

[jackdaniels]

Well my mate is on a lower base than that (i think) but it works like a lawyer in that you bill the hours you work to the client, So in theory you could get 30K+. If you clock enough hours you get a bonus. You also get anti-social hourly rates cos you may have to visit peoples offices when they are not at work to image their hard drives.

I'll ask my mate what type of courses would be beneficial to study.

[TIN CAN]

Thanks mate that would be great.

[jackdaniels]

Well just got a text from my mate. He said best place to get info is surprising enough Forums! Did a quick search on google for you:

http://www.forensicfocus.com/computer-forensics-forums

http://www.computerforensicsworld.com/

He also said that depending on how you look to start ie from the bottom you would definitely take a big cut in pay but if you study on your own then i would think you could come in at a higher basic. Hope that helps and if you need any more info just ask