Sofia Grego

Growing up I was really interested in science and technology, taking up any opportunities possible to learn more about both areas. I grew up with my older sister, parents, and a multitude of different pets. I went to an all girls public high school, which really encouraged me to get involved in STEM. There were a range of computing subjects on offer across junior and senior years that I was fortunate enough to take part in. I graduated in 2018 and went straight into university the year after.

What inspired you to study this degree?

Initially what inspired me to study the Bachelor of Forensic Science was seeing forensics science portrayed in TV shows. The problem-solving aspect of what they did in the shows really enticed me. When I first discovered the degree, I was intent on doing the biology major, this changed over time as I was exposed to the field of cyber security as I got older. Ultimately, it was my year 12 Software Design and Development teacher that inspired me to pursue Digital Forensics as my major.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about travel and experiencing new cultures. Fitting in holidays to new places during uni breaks is something I look forward to each year.  When completing the digital forensics major I had four free electives which I had planned to use for an exchange program at the start of 2021. It was supposed to be at a university over in America which offered Digital Forensic specific courses. Unfortunately, though due to the pandemic I was unable to go.

Why did you choose UTS?

I choose to study at UTS when I was 14, so there were never really any other universities that were on the table for me. The forensics science degree, in particular the digital forensics major, was the main reason in which I choose to study at UTS. No other universities at the time were offering such a unique degree and major combination. My decision was really solidified when I came to an open day and got to experience the atmosphere of the campus, I could really see UTS being a place where I would fit in.

What is one highlight or experience that has stood out during your studies?

Having the opportunity to have guest lectures given by people in industry is something that really stood out to me over the course of my degree. In particular a guest lecture given by Deloitte in my first year revealed a whole different side of digital forensics that I didn’t realise was there. I wasn’t previously aware of roles in digital forensics outside of law enforcement agencies and so this lead me down a different career path than what I thought I was going to take.

Has studying this degree changed you in any way? If so, how?

Studying the Bachelor of Forensic Science has made me more confident in my skills. It was something I struggled with quite a bit in high school with feeling like I wouldn’t be smart enough to study in STEM. Having confidence in my own abilities has helped me when communicating my ideas especially in group settings when I would’ve previously not voiced my opinions.

How would you describe this degree to future students?

The Bachelor of Forensic Science is a really interesting and fun degree to study. It’s a really hands-on degree, even during covid, our online labs were well thought out to still incorporate the hands-on approach in a virtual manner. The digital major is the perfect combination of forensic science and information technology, allowing you take a really diverse range of courses. Make friends with the people in the same major as you, specifically in Digital as there aren’t that many people who do it. We do such a unique degree plan it’s nice to have someone taking the exact same courses alongside you and having that additional support.

What advice would you give to new students starting at UTS?

Make the most out of any opportunities that pop up, whether it be attending panels, society events or applying to internships. It may seem scary at first but putting yourself out there is always worth it.  Taking up these opportunities can help to expand your networks and help you to meet new people. It can even expose you to career paths that you hadn’t yet discovered.

Did you manage to get a graduate job?

I’ll be joining Deloitte in March of 2022, in a graduate program in Discovery and Data Management as part of the Forensic Technology team. My role will. involve getting exposure to tracing data breaches, intellectual property theft, misuse of computer systems and fraudulent activities. and track evidence and prepare detailed reports on forensic analysis findings.

How has your UTS degree prepared you for work?

The group work and collaboration skills I learnt throughout my degree are invaluable skills that helped me to prepare for going into the workforce. These skills will help me in being able with to work with the groups of different people I’ll be exposed to working with during my graduate program. The hands-on approaches and the comprehensive digital forensics courses that I have taken have prepared me to start off with information that will be invaluable for me starting my graduate program.

What do you think the future of digital forensics looks like?

Digital Forensics is such a growing field especially with our reliance on technology increasing every day. Even across the past three years that I’ve been studying my degree the industry has grown so much and so many more new opportunities are present now than when I started. I think the future of digital forensics will be really broad due the constant evolution of new technologies, it will expand further to cover more use cases outside of the traditional law enforcement/intelligence agencies.