By: Melissa Robbins

OCCUPATIONAL CAREER PROJECT

The general career path I hope to pursue is in the field of forensic science. You may be asking yourself, “why forensics?” “what’s so appealing about working with evidence from a crime scene?” Well, that’s just it, it is the fact that you get to work with actual evidence from a crime scene and possibly bring justice to a perpetrator of a crime, or give peace to a family that has lost a loved one. Some jobs within this career are: Forensic Scientist Trainee, Experienced Forensic Scientist, and Crime Lab Director.

OVERVIEW

In the fi eld of forensics, I plan to become a forensic scientist. Obviously, I can’t just start out as a skilled forensic scientist. I will have to work my way up. The personal strengths I feel l ike I posses that make me a suitable candidate for this fi eld are, I am very sociable and consider myself a people-person, but will not allow for myself to become attached all that much, because it is necessary to be objective and not to twist the data to convict a person if you dislike them. Also, I don’t have a very weak stomach, so the blood and remains will not aff ect my ability to work all that much. The duties and responsibilities of a forensic scientist are: Examine and analyze hair, fi ber samples, and other evidence Test for alcohol, drugs, or toxins in blood and body fl uid

samples Analyze and compare DNA samples Identify bullets, forged documents, and substances used to

start fi res Testify in court about their fi ndings

JOB DESCRIPTION

A minimum educational requirement of a forensic scientist is a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree. However, some employers do prefer to hire an applicant who has a master’s degree. Once hired, the scientist will receive further on-the-job training. As a forensic scientist one must be objective and able to work independently. One must also be able to think logically. Also, it is important to have an adequate knowledge of, and to be comfortable working with computers.

TRAINING AND/OR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In an interview conducted with a forensic scientist, the scientist stated, “I think there will be an increase in the demand for forensic scientists because of the increasing awareness of forensic science. The cost of technology is decreasing and lab instruments are more accessible. As equipment becomes less expensive, private companies may enter the field and hire more forensics experts.” In the future, there will be more advanced technology, which will provide a faster, and possibly easier way to analyze data and evidence in a lab environment. Also, this means that forensic scientists will have to remain on top of all the changes to stay valuable and competitive in the field.

JOB MARKET

Advantages Some risks can be avoided

if the proper procedures are followed.

Usually only a 40-hour week.

If working in a large lab, the scientist may receive the opportunity to work with more advanced equipment.

Disadvantages Possible exposure to health

or safety hazards when working in labs or handling certain chemicals and evidence.

Evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines and/or to solve specifi c problems.

Working with evidence from crime scenes may be unpleasant. Especially the scientist is allergic to certain substances. 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Some additional information on this field is that if, for some reason, the scientist loses his or her job, using their expertise they may be able to find a replacement job. For example, a scientist that has a degree in chemistry may go into something else in the chemistry field.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES CONT.…

There is plenty of room for growth in terms of salary. Starting pay for a trainee is on average $35,000 to

$45,000 a year.Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field• Possibly a master’s degree

Starting pay for an Experienced Forensic Scientist is on average $50,000 to $85,000 a year

Requirements • Several years of experience

Starting pay for a Crime Lab Director is on average $80,000 to $150,000 a year

Requirements • Many years of experience

• Preferably a master’s degree or a PhD

SALARY OPPORTUNITIES

With this job, you can move into many other fields related to your specialty. You can improve your chances by getting a master’s degree or PhD. Get as much lab experience as you can and be persistent with employers.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to a generous salary, forensic scientists who are employed on a full-time basis by government and large private agencies usually receive such benefits as health coverage, retirement plan contributions, paid vacations, and sick days.

BENEFITS OFFERED

After all the research I have done, I still am very interested in this career and hope that when the time comes, I can find a good and stable job in this field. I am still very interested in this field because there are many opportunities for growth and development. Plus, there are a fair amount of benefits for someone who goes into this field.

CONCLUSION