Forensic Scientist
Forensic scientists are not what they appear to be on popular television shows like CSI or NCIS, the work is rarely nearly as glamorous or exciting as those shows portray it to be. While forensic scientists do play an integral part in the investigation of crimes through their collection and analyzing of physical evidence, they primarily work in uneventful and sterile lab settings. Most of their work involves using the principles and theories of science and mathematics to conduct research and develop new processes to use in analyzing evidence.
The daily work of a forensic scientist would involve performing various tests on substances like body fluids, fiber, glass, hair, and tissue to determine their particular significance to specific investigations. They must devise ways to protect all evidence through the use of appropriate and collect and storage methods. Another important part of their work, perhaps the most important, is the careful documentation of everything they do and the compilation of reports of their processes, findings, and lab techniques used in regards to various cases. They may also, quite often, be called to the stand as expert witnesses in criminal trials in regards to evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic scientists generally work closely and collaborate with other crime scene investigators such as police detectives and medical professionals in order to determine who, what, where, when, why, and how of a crime's occurrence.
Most forensic scientists specialize in particular areas, such as the examination of firearms, DNA analysis, or computer crime. This way they can devote their work to learning as much as they can about a particular area and be able to serve as more of an expert than a general forensic scientist could when their area of specialization played a part in a crime that needs to be solved.
Technology is very important these days in the field of forensic science as more and more sophistic lab equipment is being introduced all the time. Forensic scientists use computers, electronic measuring equipment, and many other technical devices every day. The more knowledge one has in regards to new technology and the more willing one is to learn new technology, the more attractive they will be to prospective employers.
The education necessary to become a forensic scientist would be a two-year or four-year degree focusing on science and criminal justice or something closely related to those areas followed by hands-on training, apprenticeships, or internships. Forensic scientists generally earn twenty dollars or more per hour depending upon their specific job responsibilities and where they are working. Some who have been in the field awhile can work up to making high wages once they prove themselves.
Forensic scientists play an integral role in solving crime although their work is often routine and rarely glamorous, a strong interest in math and science is the best bet in determining if's a career that suits you.
