What Is a Computer Forensics Intern and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Organizations rely on computer forensics experts to identify threats and ensure the safety of technical infrastructure. As the next generation of experts, interns play an important role in the computer forensics industry. As a computer forensics intern, you are most likely a student in information security or computer science, apprenticing under senior team members to learn about how to protect networks and systems, analyze vulnerabilities, and deploy effective incident responses. In a temporary internship role, you gain valuable, real-world experience with the methods and technologies computer forensics professionals use to perform their duties every day.

Many universities offer internships, or internship placements, to students, so if you are interested in obtaining an internship role, start with your college’s job placement center. Qualifications typically include successful completion of course work in information security, criminal justice, or criminalistics. As a computer forensics intern, your responsibilities include assisting with investigations and analyzing electronic evidence. You must also write reports to detail your findings, so strong writing skills are important. Many positions require U.S. citizenship and a clean criminal record, and some prefer previous experience with applications and methods used in cybersecurity. As an intern, you also must be able to take initiative, work independently, and deal with deadlines.