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Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter - July 2002 Obtaining
an Internship - A Student's Perspective |
| The increasing popularity of forensics has caused a surge of interest among high school and college students. Media coverage of criminal cases involving forensics has introduced and familiarized the general public of its capabilities. As the field grows in popularity, more and more people are attempting to enter the field. Entrance has become more competitive than it was in the past. Forensic laboratories are requiring a higher level of education and experience. Thus, labs are now able to select from a wider range of applicants with varying degrees of experience and education. Typically, a competitive applicant would be one who has obtained a bachelor's degree within a scientific field such as biology, biochemistry, physics, or chemistry. A master's degree is not a requirement, although, it has become very difficult to obtain a position as a forensic scientist without this further education. Acceptance into a forensic science master's program requires a strong education in the sciences as well as experience within a laboratory that would provide the necessary background skills. Acquiring this experience is not an easy thing to accomplish. I hope to be able to offer some advice on how to acquire this experience. I introduce myself as a hopeful forensic biologist. In my long search to find a field of study and a career path, I have flip-flopped between several possible professions. Having finally chosen my direction of study, I was in need of the experience that is required of me in order to be a competitive applicant to the master's program of my choice. My search for laboratory experience began when I heard of a seminar being held on campus that introduced the many fields of criminal justice. One of the panel speakers was the supervisor of a forensic biology laboratory in Virginia. After the seminar, I approached her and introduced myself. We spoke for a few minutes about my education history and what my future goals should be in order to prepare myself for a career in forensics. As I expected, she stressed the importance of experience within the field before applying to a graduate program. I left the seminar charged with inspiration. I began researching different schools that offer MS degrees in forensic biology. I took classes that gave me the necessary experience and background of the field. Most importantly, I began to inquire about internships or volunteer positions at the forensic science lab closest to where I lived. I soon found that it was difficult to gain one of these positions. The first responses to my inquires were not as I had expected. I was told that there were other candidates with more experience and stronger references. Although this discouraged me, I did not let it impede my goals. I returned to school to take more classes that gave me the necessary laboratory experience and references. I continued to research the field and to learn as much as possible about the techniques used within the lab. I e-mailed the supervisor every few months to see if there were any available positions. I was persistent and yet, at the same time, avoided becoming an annoyance. This eventually paid off and I was offered the chance to interview for a position as an intern at the lab. To my delight, my interviewer was the very person that I had spoken with nearly a year and a half earlier at the criminal justice seminar. She had remembered speaking with me at the seminar that night. I did not interview as strongly as I hoped and was surprised when I was offered the internship nearly a week later. I believe that I received the position because of my persistence and enthusiasm towards the field. I know that this internship is an integral part in the many steps to reach my goal. Through this internship, I will have gained laboratory experience directly within the field that I want to enter. I also will gain several important references that will aid me in applying for a master's program in the future. Most importantly, the internship is allowing me to ensure that forensic biology is the career that I want to pursue. I offer several words of advice. First, do not allow the glamorization of forensics by television and the media be your source of inspiration. These shows tend glorify the role of a forensic scientist. Let your motivation come only from your own research and experiences. Second, be persistent, but avoid becoming a nuisance. This will show your interest in forensics and your desire to learn. Attend forensic science seminars and conferences at your own expense. Study about the history of forensic science and about the different techniques used within each lab. Third, stay out of trouble. All volunteers, interns, and staff must undergo a thorough background check. Forensic evidence is present throughout each lab and must be preserved in order to maintain its applicability to a case. Therefore, background checks are necessary to ensure that only the most trustworthy of applicants are selected. It is important to remember that internships within a forensic lab are hard to come by. Do not expect to be accepted into an internship without a considerable amount of laboratory experience. Lab work in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology are a must. Acquire these prerequisites before you apply. Do not let a rejection be a discouragement. Speak with the supervisor of the lab and find out why you were not chosen. Meet these requirements and then try again. If you cannot secure one of these positions then find a position within a lab that would provide the skills that would be utilized in a forensics lab. Don't give up. The growth and popularity of forensics is making it harder to become a part of the field than ever before. This trend will continue, and only those at the top of their class will be admitted. Stay focused, be persistent, and keep your record clean. |
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© 2002 Young Forensic Scientists Forum / American Academy of Forensic Sciences |