Digital Forensics Internship

In 2016, we started an exciting new internship program based on a partnership between the CDT program, the St. Joseph County Prosecutors Office, and St. Joseph County Law Enforcement. This paid internship program is an opportunity for select CDT students to work with the St. Joe County Cyber Crimes Unit to identify, investigate, and prosecute cyber criminals. Interns work along-side cyber-crime investigators and acquire valuable skills and knowledge about forensic analysis, investigative techniques, and various related legal matters.

Each year we expect at least one new opening in this program. We are especially interested in finding candidates who can remain in the program for consecutive years (i.e., sophomores or juniors) so that they can take advantage of the ongoing learning experiences that will more full develop the intern’s cyber investigative skill set.

Interested students should read the below and contact the CDT director to see about the availability of positions. If positions are available, we will need a resume and the statement of interest described in the attachment. Internship positions involve 10-12 hrs. per week spent in the Cyber Crimes unit, now located on campus. 

Other questions about this program should be directed to the people identified below the internship description.

Digital Forensics Internship Program Overview

The Digital Forensics Investigator program a partnership between the Arts & Letters Computing & Digital Technologies (CDT) program, the Cybercrimes Investigation, Research, and Education (CIRE) initiative, and the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit.  This opportunity is open to all Notre Dame students.

As Digital Forensics Investigators with the Cyber Crimes Unit, students will be trained as digital forensic examiners and work as investigators on criminal cases, on behalf of both the prosecution and defense of those accused of crimes. Students will acquire, parse, and analyze information from digital evidence involved in active case investigations and pending prosecutions, while learning the process of digital analysis and investigation. Students may also be exposed to specialized learning experiences related to cyber forensics, digital investigations, and forensics research.

This extensive program is geared towards students looking to enter the field of cyber security and analysis post-graduation.  While in the Student Investigator program, students will work out of the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit, currently housed in Hammes Mowbray Hall.  Work will include, but is not limited to:

• assisting law enforcement officers by conducting digital forensics for active case investigations
• assisting federal and state prosecutors by conducting digital forensics for criminal case prosecutions
• assisting federal and state defense attorneys by conducting digital forensics for criminal case defense
• evidence intake, chain of custody, and recording
• preparation of search warrants
• applying case facts to appropriate state and Federal laws
• court appearances and testimony, if needed
• may conduct research on technology and digital analysis topics
• extensive writing of warrants, reports, and other papers

The Digital Forensics Investigator program is structured for the student to participate their entire academic year once selected.  However, students who plan on studying abroad are not excluded from this opportunity. Moreover, since this internship involves conducting digital forensics on evidence in active criminal cases and prosecutions, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor will swear in students so that they will have law enforcement powers during their time working as a Digital Forensics Investigator.   

Student Investigators will be paid for their participation (10 hours a week).  Positions cover the entire academic year and summer opportunities are also available.  The starting rate of pay is $15.00 per hour and may increase based on demonstration of proficiency and obtaining industry certifications.  Students will select their own working schedule based on what is best given their academic schedule and other responsibilities.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications for the program include:

• Positions are opened to all students in all majors
• Must be a United States Citizen (Per Indiana Code 36-8-3.5-12)
• Basic knowledge of computers, mobile devices, and online social networking sites
• Basic research knowledge
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Willingness to work with subject matter that may be disturbing
• Willingness to submit to an advanced background check

Applications

Positions are filled each Fall and Spring semester.  Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the entire year, interviews are conducted twice a year.  The following are cut-off dates for applying:

• Fall Positions (beginning in August each year): Application deadline of March 31
• Spring Positions (Beginning in January of each year): Application deadline of October 31

Interested students should apply online here.

Additional questions can be addressed to Prof. Mitch Kajzer, Managing Director
Cybercrimes Investigation, Research, and Education (CIRE)
Mkajzer1@nd.edu

The statement of interest should summarize the student’s qualifications and background and should indicate the reason(s) the student wants to take advantage of this program. 

Selection Process

All applications will be reviewed, and final selections will be made by an advisory panel consisting of Notre Dame faculty and personnel with the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.  The process will consist of:

1. Initial review of resume and statement of interest
2. Basic background check
3. Interview presentation
   • Applicants will deliver a 15-minute presentation to the selection committee.
   • The format of the presentation is up to the candidate.
   • Information in the presentation will include general background information about the applicant along with why they are interested in the position and what they hope to get from it.
   • Candidates selected to give an interview presentation will be sent more information and given approximately one week to prepare their presentation.
4. Full background check
5. Conditional job offer
6. Interview with the St. Joseph County Prosecutor
7. Final job offer
8. Swearing-In

Questions regarding the program application process or work as a Digital Forensics Investigator may be directed to Prof. Mitch Kajzer at mkajzer1@nd.edu.