Forensics

[nator9692]

I am currently a junior biochemistry/biophysics major. How do i go about looking for internships in forensic science? I was even thinking about working at a nearby police station next summer.

[clpexco]

It sounds like you are on the right track. If your local law enforcement agency is large enough to have their own forensic section, that is a good starting place. Many county or state laboratories also have internship possibilities. As with any agency, whether to accept interns depends on a lot of factors. Find the phone number on the internet or from your telephone directory, call and ask to speak with the supervisor of the forensic section you are interested in, and they will get you to the right place.

Good luck!

[Pat Wertheim]

An internship is about the best "foot in the door" there is for forensic science. I always recommend that route to high school and college students who ask. Check with the crime labs in major cities, but also check with your State crime laboratory. Then check with the Federal crime laboratories, such as FBI, Secret Service, DEA, ATF, Customs, etc. You may find it costs you money to participate in an internship program (rent, travel, meals, etc.) but consider it as simply a little more tuition in the overall education process. In my lab (Arizona DPS) we frequently hire our interns when they graduate. Even those who don't find jobs with us usually go on to find jobs easily in other labs. It may take you some effort to find a good "fit" for an internship and it may cost money to live near the lab in which you are accepted, but the rewards will be well worth it.

[Hillary Moses]

Where do you live? Many of us on this message board may be able to help you out.

Also, try to schedule ride-alongs at your local law enforcement departments. I schedule ride-alongs with my Officers, Crime Scene Technicians, and also in the Crime Lab with myself. We also meet with students and job applicants to answer questions.

[nator9692]

Thanks everyone. I live in Vermont...i believe there is only one forensics lab in the state... :/

[Dave Grady]

Worcester, MA PD's Crime Scene Unit usually takes one intern per season. I have an intern now and one scheduled for the Spring. If you're interested in next summer, let me know. We're only a couple of hours from the Vermont border.
Good Luck.

[Pat A. Wertheim]

There is going to be a conference of the New England Division of the International Association for Identification the first week of November in Burlington you may want to attend. The people you would meet there would be invaluable in helping you in your search for an internship or job in forensics. Check the website www.nediai.org for more information on the conference.

[nator9692]

Wow...thanks again. I wasn't even thinking...I go to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. So i also have an aparment in Troy, NY that i could stay at over the summer.

[broyel]

hello,
I'm a student majoring in Forensic Chemistry. I was wondering if anyone knew where i should start looking for internships. Are there crime labs that provide housing if you're not a local?
thanks

[clpexco]

If your local law enforcement agency is large enough to have their own forensic section, that is a good starting place. Many county or state laboratories also have internship possibilities. As with any agency, whether to accept interns depends on a lot of factors. Find the phone number on the internet or from your telephone directory, call and ask to speak with the supervisor of the forensic section you are interested in, and they will get you to the right place.

No internship opportunity I have ever heard of offers housing.

Good luck,

-Kasey