Forensic scientists use the facts and their own impartial observations to provide evidence in criminal trials. This area of study is becoming increasingly popular, offering a wide variety of jobs in various specialties (for example, forensic psychologists, forensic pathologists, crime scene specialists, and even forensic accountants). To become a forensic scientist, you must be trained in biology, chemistry, drugs, and toxicology, and be patient, methodical, logical, and preferably outgoing.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Choose the specialty
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the different types of jobs available within forensic science
This area offers many different career opportunities, some of which are more geared towards the social sciences and others more towards biology and chemistry. These are some examples of jobs you can find in the area of forensic science:
- Laboratory analyst
- forensic odontologist (dentist)
- forensic engineer
- crime scene specialist
- forensic psychologist
- criminal profiling analyzer
- forensic accountant
- forensic information technology specialist
- forensic (medical) pathologist
Step 2. Become a pathologist or medical examiner
To do this, you must obtain a medical doctor degree or the equivalent in the place where you live. This can take a long time, but most likely, because of it, you can get a higher salary than those offered by other specialties within the area of forensic science. This job consists mainly of inspecting corpses to determine what was the cause of death, so you should have a good stomach. Also, work hours are more unpredictable because your presence at the morgue could be required at any time.
- If you live in the US, a good way to start your education is by earning an undergraduate degree in Biology or Chemistry, as this will help you later on to enter medical school.
- After completing your studies in medical school, you should choose a residency that has a focus on forensic science.
- Read the article How to Become a Medical Examiner for more information.
Step 3. Become a Forensic Laboratory Analyst
In this specialty, you will have to work in a laboratory analyzing samples obtained from the crime scene or the corpse and repeating the same tasks several times. This job has a more regular schedule and is generally well paid.
- The best way to start your training for this job is by earning an undergraduate degree in Chemistry.
- If you prefer to specialize in DNA analysis, it is best to obtain an undergraduate degree in Biology that is geared towards genetics and biochemistry.
Step 4. Become a crime scene specialist
This is a job that you should always be available for and that involves showing up at the same crime scene for preliminary analysis. It also requires taking photographs or drawing of the scene, marking all the evidence, and working closely with detectives and police officers. This type of work is completely unpredictable, so it can be very exciting. However, it is not very well paid.
- To get started, earn an undergraduate degree in one of the natural sciences (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) and then pursue a specialization in law enforcement or crime scene investigation. You can also earn an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on the natural sciences.
- Because this job requires you to write reports, it is also recommended that you take some writing classes.
Step 5. Specialize in forensic engineering
Within this specialty, you can find several options, such as electrical engineering, civil engineering, traffic engineering, materials engineering or mechanical engineering. These jobs have a regular schedule, are well paid, and allow you to investigate traffic accidents, fires, and wrongful damages. This profession is similar to being a crime scene specialist, with the difference that engineers focus on aspects of cases that have nothing to do with biology.
Step 6. Become a forensic psychologist
Your main role in this job will be to interact with inmates in a counseling oriented setting. You will have personalized appointments with each of them to assess if they are likely to commit another crime or if they are at risk of hurting themselves. Among other things, you may have to develop treatment programs for offenders or testify in court. Working hours are fairly regular and it is a well-paid profession.
- To get a good education, you must obtain an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a focus on criminology.
- Next, you must obtain a master's degree in Forensic Psychology.
- You can search online for more details on the training required for this profession.
Method 2 of 5: Prepare to start your studies
Step 1. You must really like science
If you want to pursue analysis related to biology, behavioral science, chemistry, and mathematics, you should start by taking advanced classes in Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry while still in high school. This will help you later get into a university that has a good Forensic Science program.
Step 2. Apply to college science or social studies programs
It is possible that, when the time comes to look for work, one of the criteria by which you will be judged will be the strength of the program you have studied and the prestige of your educational institution. Therefore, if you want to get a job as a forensic doctor or laboratory analyst, you must apply to an undergraduate program in Forensic Sciences, Biology, or Chemistry. On the other hand, if you want to become a forensic psychologist, it is best to obtain an undergraduate degree in psychology.
- Keep in mind, however, that not all programs that claim to teach forensic science instill in their students the skills necessary to be a good forensic scientist, so double-check the details before enrolling in any program.
- If you live in the UK, the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences offers a list of UK universities and accredited forensic science courses.
- If you live in the US, the Commission on Accreditation of Forensic Science Education Programs offers a list of accredited forensic science college programs.
- Even if you can't get a forensic science degree as such, a degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry will also help you get a job in this area.
- Some employers may prefer applicants to have undergraduate degrees in the "pure sciences," such as Biology or Chemistry, as these programs typically instill in their students the research skills they need to go on to earn Master's of Science degrees. Forensics
Step 3. Make sure your training has a complementary focus on law, judicial procedure, or criminal justice
You may consider studying at a university that allows you to take supplemental courses in these areas or focus on them as secondary subjects. In this way, you will be better prepared for jobs in the field of public order and you will be able to better understand the judicial system within which you will have to work.
Method 3 of 5: Get an Education
Step 1. Obtain an undergraduate degree
Once you've chosen the program you want to study and the major you want to focus on, take the time to study well and learn as much as you can. Ask someone from your school's science department to be your mentor and meet with them regularly. This person could even help you design a research project related to forensic science.
- If you want to start working in your area of study without earning a master's degree, you must carefully choose the courses to take in your undergraduate program. For example, you should take courses related to criminology, graphic techniques (such as three-dimensional graphic design), organic chemistry or toxicology, and human physiology.
- Another way to get a good education is by doing field work as a forensic anthropologist or archaeologist. In this way, your future employers will see that you have experience in the area.
Step 2. Get an internship
A good time to do an internship is during your first summer break from college or one of the first semesters of your career. This will help shed any idealized notions you may have about this type of job and allow you to gain practical skills. Also, it's a good idea to get an idea of what the profession will be like before investing more time and money in your studies in case you discover that it is not what you want. To get an internship, you can use your network or apply online or through local law enforcement agencies.
Step 3. Get a graduate degree focused on forensic science
This is not necessary for all forensic science majors, but it could be a requirement for the specialty you are targeting or if the undergraduate degree you earned did not cover all the courses you had to study. If you want to pursue the hard sciences, you can get master's degrees in Human Anatomy, Organic Chemistry, Toxicology, Evidence Analysis, or Criminal Justice. In addition, a master's or doctorate can increase your chances of landing a job.
Method 4 of 5: Build Your Career
Step 1. Cultivate your public speaking, technical writing and organization skills
It is important that you show a lot of confidence in yourself when speaking in public, since it is likely that at some point you will have to make statements in court. You can improve your public speaking skills in a number of ways, such as taking classes or joining a club of masters of ceremonies. You'll also need to produce technical reports and organize databases and samples, so if your writing isn't very good, it's a good idea to take classes in this area as well.
Step 2. Get a professional certification
Some agencies may require applicants to have some form of professional certification, such as those obtained through organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, the Forensic Science Society. Forensic Sciences "), the Royal Society of Chemistry or the American Board of Criminalistics. To earn these certifications, you generally must take a test, pay a membership fee, and earn continuing education credits. This type of certification will make you stand out from other applicants.
Step 3. Attend conferences on forensic science
This way, you can learn what's new in research and internships, as well as make contacts that could help you get a job. Here you can find a list of upcoming conferences in the US only.
Method 5 of 5: Get Your First Job
Step 1. Perfect your resume and cover letters
Once you've decided which specialty you want to focus on, apply for related jobs. You can search for vacancies through LinkedIn, your university's alumni department, or your contacts. You should also research the agency or company you want to apply to and tailor your resume and cover letter to each individual position to emphasize your experience based on the particular qualifications required. Remember to be specific.
- For example, if you are applying for a position in a laboratory, your resume and cover letter should highlight your previous experience working in laboratories. Therefore, mention if you did any research projects related to forensic science or if you worked in the laboratory of a prominent supervisor in that area.
- Forensic science has become a very competitive area, so your resume should stand out above everyone else's. To do this, you must show that you are already a scientist and not just a novice.
- Read the article How to write a resume for more specific advice on how to enhance your resume.
- Read the How to Find a Job article for more detailed information on how to look for a job, conduct interviews, and land your first job.
Step 2. Practice for job interviews
One way to do this is by pretending that you are an expert in court. Employers want to hire forensic scientists who can stick to the evidence when dealing with unscientific testimony and who have a meticulous appreciation for the facts in a case.
- You can practice with your friends or family.
- You can also request informational interviews with forensic scientists and use them to gather information about the profession. You can even ask them to ask you typical job interview questions and give you feedback on your performance.
Step 3. Get a job offer
However, before signing the contract, be sure to fully clarify what your obligations will be, and negotiate the salary and benefits that the job will bring you (if appropriate) until you feel satisfied. Then do your best and try to learn as much as you can from your veteran colleagues.
Read the article How to Negotiate a Job Offer for tips on mastering the art of negotiation
Step 4. Be sure to complement your training with continuing education courses
Having a permanent job does not mean that you should not always keep abreast of trends in the field. Forensic science has changed infinitely throughout the history of police investigations, so staying ahead will allow you to qualify for promotions or get better job opportunities.
Advice
- If you live in a smaller country and want to specialize in a popular area, like crime scene investigation, one option is to study abroad for a while. Countries like the US have a large number of universities offering specialized courses in forensic science, which could help set you apart from other applicants.
- Forensic accounting and forensic information technology (IT) are two less common and therefore less competitive specialties. Forensic accountants analyze tax, incorporation, and securities markets to investigate the legality of money management and exchange, while IT forensic specialists investigate crimes originating from computers or the Internet.