Jonathan Smith
BSc Computer Forensics 2015
Digital forensics is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world today, and a young graduate from the North East has cracked the case with one of the country’s cutting edge companies.
Jonathan Smith, from Bedlington, graduated with a First Class degree in BSc Computer Forensics from the University of Sunderland. Two years after graduating Jonathan, 23, is working for SYTECH, the UK’s largest private digital forensics company.
“I work closely with police forces and private clients on the huge amount of digital evidence seized every day,” says Jonathan, who works in SYTECH’s Stoke on Trent base as a Digital Forensic Analyst.
“I analyse all kinds of digital evidence – basically anything that has the capability to store digital data. This includes phones, laptops, computers, tablets and other devices such as sat navs.
“As storage capabilities in digital devices increases, the need for forensic analysts will continue to rise too. There are job opportunities in digital forensics all over the world.”
Jonathan believes that the real-world, hands-on experience he gained while studying for his Computer Forensics degree at the University of Sunderland had a massive impact on both his choice of career, and his desirability to potential employers.
“Studying at Sunderland was a really enriching experience that enabled me to start my career,” he says. “Throughout my degree, we had guest lectures by police and former police staff.
“That was really inspiration. I saw how relevant and useful the content I was studying at University was. It gave me a real insight into what career options could be available to me after graduation.”