“As everyone knows, many IT jobs were offshored several years ago.  I’m still paying off college loans and do not want to spend another four years training for a new career. Would my IT and programming skills transition well into the field of Computer Forensics?”

- “S.L., NY”

Dear S.L.:

Computer Forensics is tailor-made for someone with your background.  The job involves dismantling computers and peripherals to obtain data/evidence without disturbing its forensic integrity- so that the evidence uncovered is court-admissible.
An understanding of the scope of business practice is helpful to detect “red flags”.
Additionally, one may have to appear in court and testify as an Expert Witness.  What you didn’t say is if you have a passion for investigation, are organized and
able to meet tight deadlines. 

You mentioned that you have programming skills.  If Computer Forensics proves to be for you, you might consider Computer Forensics software development as well.