Hello, and welcome to the Forensics Digest Q & A Session. As promised, we are back with our Monthly interview where we talk to our students and experts on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills.
Today I have with me, Ms.Laiba Siraj , who is an alumnus of National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) and has qualified UGC-NET in her 3rd semester of Masters degree itself! Laiba has her specialization in Digital Forensics.
Arpita : Hello Laiba. Thank you for joining us. Let me begin by asking you about yourself and how, when, and what got you interested in Forensic Science?
Laiba: My name is Laiba Siraj. I am a post graduate in Forensic Science from LNJN NICFS. My hobbies include reading, eating and making content on social media about these two.
Arpita: So Laiba, tell our readers, how did you get fascinated towards forensic science?
Laiba: Growing up, I watched a lot of crime and mystery shows and read books that is what has influenced me the most to take up forensic as a career. The most funny part is that I only filled up the form for NICFS’s entrance exam because one of my close friend told me to, and at that time I had zero idea about NICFS, I only knew it as the college affiliated to IPU for Forensic Science.
Arpita: How did you prepare for NICFS, which is considered the top institute for Forensic Science in India?
Laiba : I was studying for the entrance exams of pure sciences coming from a pure science background so most of the basic Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics was covered in preparing for those. However, I did study the basics of Forensic Science specially for NICFS’s entrance exam. I would suggest that those preparing for entrance exam to focus on all the subjects and start preparing early, even I started preparing a year prior to the exam.
Arpita : Please tell our readers what made you enter the field of Digital Forensics.
Laiba : In my first year at NICFS I realised more than any other domain of forensic, Digital forensics was the one I actually enjoyed. I used to look forward to my classes for digital forensics, and I absolutely enjoyed studying it. Digital forensics combined my love for computers/technology and Forensic so it all made perfect sense to take it up as my specialisation because I never felt like an obligation to study it like other subjects
Arpita: Laiba, you cleared UGC-NET/JRF during your Masters! WITHOUT any Coaching! How did you do that?
Laiba: My main area of focus for NET was paper 1 because paper 2 which was Forensic specific was something I was studying in my curriculum. I prepared by doing MCQs for both part 1 & 2 and studying in detail for part 1 from various study material and books available.
Arpita: Did you face any obstacle in your journey so far and how did you overcome ?
Laiba: Obstacles are different for each person, and yes I faced some but having a clear sight of the goal is what pushed me forward. Being in the digital forensics domain without any technical background is one such obstacle which I face on a daily basis but I have to keep moving forward and make sure I have no room for error.
Arpita: What are your future plans, Laiba?
Laiba: I plan on working in the Digital Forensics industry, which is pretty intimidating for me because of my pure sciences background but I am pursuing online certificate courses to sharpen my skills. I feel it is an industry where you always have to be abreast with the latest updates.
Arpita : One last question Laiba, Do you have any advice to students who want to pursue Forensic Science as Career?
Laiba: My advice is to only take up this career if you are very serious about it and genuinely interested in it, because right now India is still in the acceptance phase for Forensic Science so the job opportunities might be slim but you will find something if you have passion for it.
Arpita: Thank you, Laiba for talking to us. It was a pleasure. I am sure our readers will get some help from your advice.
Laiba: Thank you.
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