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all the disparate bits of information across a computer, or several,
to discover where [the child] might be.” The worst part of the job, in
his opinion, is deciding which cases are most important and which
have to wait. On crime shows like CSI, data analysis tends to take
seconds. But in reality, it often takes days or weeks to properly and
completely analyze evidence. The job of a digital forensics inves-
tigator is not as dramatic or exciting as a show like CSI makes it
seem. But it is certainly an important role that helps deliver justice
and keep society safe.

How Do You Become a Digital
Forensics Investigator?

Education
Earning a bachelor’s degree in digital forensics is the best way to
launch a career in this field. Course work for the degree will in-
clude classes on computer networks, programming, criminal law,
mobile device forensics, and more. However, this is not the only
way to get started as a digital forensics investigator. The job com-
bines two different skill sets: technical computer knowledge and
law enforcement. So an education in either of those areas will help
a person prepare for this job. For example, a bachelor’s degree
in information technology (IT), computer science, or engineering
builds strong technical and problem- solving skills. DiMino got his
degree in electrical engineering. He says, “Engineering especially
prepares someone to be a good forensic examiner. It makes you
be detail- oriented . . . it teaches you how to think and not to take
things at face value.”
Other people start out in law enforcement. Becoming a police
officer only requires a high school diploma, but candidates must go
through rigorous training at a police academy. An associate’s de-
gree in forensic science prepares a person for entry- level work as an
assistant or technician who gathers evidence from a crime scene.
With additional training in computer science or IT, police officers and
crime scene technicians can transition into digital forensics.

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