CLPEX Chat Board

I am new to the latent prints world (still working on my MS in Forensic Science). It's just about time for me to start looking for a job and I was hoping to get some feedback/suggestions from people who are more familiar with the field. Every position I have looked into requires two years experience (which I obviously don't have because I have been in school). I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with the latent examiner in Allegheny County (PA), so I am currently a "work in progress". What would you suggest for someone brand new to the field, as far as a wise move for a career? Any ideas, comments, insights are welcome and appreciated!

Check the AAFS and IAI websites for job listings frequently and don't give up! There ARE agencies out there that hire at the "Forensic Scientist - Entry" level. This level assumes you do NOT have prior experiene elsewhere (the 2 to 5 years required by other agencies) and these agencies will be happy to train you their way.

Emphasize the education and experience you DO have in your applications. Internships and experiences with latent examiners are great and should make you more attractive to agencies. Don't sell yourself short -- any and all scientific skills you have gained through your education count. Be sure hiring agencies know about them.

The hiring process takes a long time (6 months to a year in many agencies) and you may often be beat out by someone who has more experience than you do, but if you keep trying, sooner or later the right opportunity will come along for you. An important thing is to keep improving yourself as an applicant. Get another internship. Take another science class. Do something to show people (even after you've been looking for a job for months) that you are still working to further yourself in the field while you wait.

Believe me, I went through the exact same thing coming out of school with no real experience but lots of education. It took just over a year, but I got a terrific entry level job where I've learned a ton with our in-house training and other external training opportunities. It can happen. Don't give up. And email me privately if you want to talk.

Heidi

Hello!

I'm a Postgraduate student at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.

While I have been completing my research, I have also used the knowledge I have to teach undergraduates. This ensures that I don't forget what I have learnt and in fact makes me a lot better at explaining very complex concepts in a simple but deferential way. It also gives me more confidence when people are firing questions at you in an interview, too.

Just a suggestion for what you could do in the meantime. I'm sure your university could do with more tutors!

Cheers,
Shaheen

Sara,

Even with the jobs that ask for a degree and a couple of years of experience and you don't full-time experience, apply anyway. You might end up being the best qualified candidate. It may be that the folks with a couple of years of experience don't have a degree and their experience wasn't that extensive.

As Heidi wrote, do search out additional internships or even volunteer. Many times the folks you work for will make recommendations about you to surrounding agencies about your skill level if there are openings at those other agencies.

You might also want to consider joining professional associations as a student member. Then, go to those conferences to learn more and to network.

It is a tough job to get because so many people have forensic science degrees whereas a few years ago, it was unheard of. But, even then, it took persistence to get into the field.

You have to keep trying.

Kathy Saviers

Sara,

Many labs (especially larger ones) have an entry level position that is education based as opposed to experience based. Titles differ, but it may be called something like Criminalist Trainee or Forensic Specialist Trainee. Another entry route to get your foot in the door may be as a lab technician or equivalent. The pay & duties may be considerably less than a bench position, however you have an opportunity to gain experience in a forensic lab, and prove your value for eventual promotion.

Are you willing to locate (I assume you are currently in the Pennsylvania area), & if so, are there limitations? The opportunities on a national level widen greatly.