Obtaining a Career in Forensics: Part II

Luisa Florez

Working in the forensic science field can be difficult and somewhat demanding, but arguably the hardest part would be to start pursuing your forensic science career. If you don’t know where to start then begin by deciding whether you have a true interest in science. Once you figure out that you have an interest in a scientific career or field (whether it’s in microbiology, biology, behavioral sciences, or even mathematics), you should take classes in biology, physics, chemistry, and math. There are a few general guidelines that you follow when pursuing

your forensic science career.

Forensic Science Career Step 1: When pursuing a career in forensic science, earn high scores from your classes in your college or university. Other steps you should take towards a forensic science career include: gaining work experience either paid or during an unpaid internship, obtaining a graduate degree in forensic science, becoming a proficient organizer, public speaker, and technical writer.

Forensic Science Career Step 2: Once your forensic science studies are complete, you can earn your professional certification through the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, the Forensic Science Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry, or the American Board of Criminalistics. You might need to take a test, but once you earn your certificate, you will more than likely stand out within the pool of applicants.

Forensic Science Career Step 3: In order to have a better chance of getting a job in forensic science, you should perfect your resume and cover letter so that they are both ready to send out to potential employers.

Forensic Science Career Step 4: Once you begin your journey to work in forensic science, you should practice interviewing as if you were an expert witness in a court case. Employers prefer forensic scientists who stick to the facts and the information at hand. They want honest and precise employees.

Forensic Science Career Step 5: Once you land your job in the forensic science field, you should continue taking forensic science courses in order to stay up-to-date on the latest improvements and updates in the forensic science world.