ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

Alumni

Andre Rodrigues

Digital Forensic Analyst, Metropolitan Police

My journey started on July 28th, 2016. That was the day that I left everything and everyone to become a better version of myself at ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ.

Memories of ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

I grew up in Tomar, a small town located in Portugal. When I heard about the possibility of studying abroad, I worked really hard to make that happen. I knew back when I was at school that moving to a well-developed country to study at a foreign university would be the opportunity of a lifetime.

I decided to study Forensic Science at the University of ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ for the simple fact that I had read that it was one of the best programmes of its kind in the country. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint!

From the lecturers to the facilities, when I started my studies, everything felt like a dream come true even before holding my diploma. Dr Linda Brownlow and Charlotte Pilbeam-Bailey were, by far, two of the most helpful people that I came across during my studies.

I really enjoyed my course and the three years at ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ. It was truly an unforgettable journey that made me who I am today.

Life after ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

After completing my studies, where I had also been working full-time alongside my degree, I decided to take some time out to travel the world with the money that I had saved. I went to a few countries in Asia and North America before ending up in Portugal for a couple of weeks to reset my brain. I did not know what to do next with my life. I had quit my full-time job to travel, I did not have much money left and did not really have anything in mind for the future.

That’s when I came across a Digital Forensic Analyst role on the Metropolitan Police. In my head that was the perfect role for me as it combined my interests in crime, law and technology. I applied that night.

After weeks of anticipation, tests, and interviews, I was informed in December 2019 that I had been successful in my application. Following vetting, I started working for the Metropolitan Police as a Digital Forensic Analyst on the 9th of March 2020.

To date, I can’t still believe how much I have achieved. Waking up on a Monday morning has become a joy. All the hard work does pay off in the end and my story shows that no matter what your grades are, if you prove that you know what you’re doing, that you work hard, that you are reliable, focused and passionate, you can achieve any goal you set yourself to achieve.

  • Andre Rodrigues
  • BSc Forensic Science, 2019

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