Additional Information
To become a data recovery specialist, you can take a computer technician
course at a college or study computer science at university. Training in information
technology (IT) or programming is helpful.
Some colleges and universities now offer computer forensics programs. Data
recovery is a big aspect of these programs.
"I would [recommend] a strong technical background," says data recovery
specialist Mari DeGrazia. "I have a computer science degree. Any type of engineering
degree, I think, would be suitable."
"It's essential that trainees looking to pursue a career in data retrieval
develop IT skill sets prior [to looking for work] because the failures and
faults that can occur are many and varied," says Ed Fortin. He owns an IT
consulting firm.
Harry Elver owns a computer consulting company in Arizona. "I think if
you want to get a job with somebody, nowadays it probably is helpful to have
an associate's or bachelor's degree and probably have a beginning [information
technology] certificate or two, like an A+ or a Network+ or a Security+,"
he says.
Elver says computer science is a good subject to have under your belt.
However, he is one of many IT professionals who didn't study computers or
technology at university. In fact, he has an associate's in forestry, a bachelor's
in forestry and a master's in agriculture science.
"Even though I don't have an IT background per se, I do have a pretty strong
science background, and I think that's fairly typical, too," says Elver. "A
lot of people that are in IT don't necessarily have IT degrees, but just the
fact that you have the degree helps you anyway."
Working for almost any computer business is going to give you some experience
with data recovery. Ideally, you'll bring education as well as experience
to prospective employers.
"I think that education is important," says Elver. "It just kind of sets
you apart from the next person that walks in the door. And if you have an
associate's degree along with a little bit of experience, that's probably
going to go a lot further than if you don't."