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Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter - January 2002 A
Few Words of Advice |
| There are many new and exciting things to learn in the field of forensic science. An internship opportunity during my senior year of college allowed me to gain valuable experience and I learned how to get the most out of any situation. I currently work within the same laboratory system in which I interned, and I wanted to share some advice for those who may be considering a career in forensic science or are new to the profession like myself. The best advice that I can offer is to learn to be proactive; do not limit yourself to your assigned unit. Take advantage of all of the senior scientists' knowledge. Be a sponge, ask questions, and try to learn everything you can from anyone offering advice, discussing a case, or just chatting about their overall experiences. After all, the more you learn and grow, the more of an asset you will be to the entire forensic community. Ask to observe a technique or view an instrument that is unfamiliar to you, or ask to view some case processing in another unit. Show interest in the experiences, thoughts, and ideas of others and you may be surprised at the willingness of your colleagues to teach and show you new things. In addition to utilizing the plethora of knowledge in your lab, get out there and expand your "people base." When possible, go to forensic meetings and conferences and meet other scientists. Ask questions and become aware of the differences between labs and upcoming developments in the field. Never be satisfied with your current knowledge; there is always plenty to learn. If you have some spare time, pick up a book or a forensic newsletter because the nature of our field is one of constant development; how to improve upon existing standards and how to apply cutting-edge technology to forensics. Furthermore, If you have a firm understanding of the science behind the techniques and methods that you perform on a daily basis, you are in a better position to offer new ideas for improvement. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude and always share ideas with your colleagues. The field of forensic science is constantly changing, and the opportunities are virtually endless. As young forensic scientists, we should constantly strive to gain more experience and knowledge in all areas for both personal and professional development. |
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© 2002 Young Forensic Scientists Forum / American Academy of Forensic Sciences |