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Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter - May/June 2001 Obtaining
Forensic Science Internships |
| As spring approaches, forensic science students should begin to consider internship opportunities. Both undergraduate and graduate forensic science students should take advantage of the summertime to participate in some sort of practical experience, opportunity, or internship. Many crime laboratory directors believe this internship is an important qualification for employment and seek employment candidates with the experience. So the question is…..How does a student get an appropriate intern experience? Most post-secondary forensic science programs have in place a means for obtaining the internship. These opportunities are made available to the forensic science students due to joint cooperatives between forensic labs and their college or university, the program's faculty members with ties to regional/state/ local laboratory directors or personnel, responses to posted or announced internship opportunities, and most often, by student-driven inquires and persistence. The latter method is the technique that places the burden for obtaining the internship squarely on the shoulders of the student. Not a bad idea, given the fact that the student will learn valuable skills that will be useful in the future search for a job after graduation! Let's focus on the student inquiry method. In the business world this method is often called "the cold call." That is, there is no prior knowledge of the inquirer — the student — by the laboratory. However, this technique can be successful if the student inquirer is respectful and professional with the inquiry about internship availability. It should be noted that a certain amount of diligence and persistence also will be necessary. The first step in the inquiry about the availability of an internship will be to determine what — if any — forensic labs are near the student's summer residence. Another option is to consider labs that are in locations near relatives' homes (better check with the relatives first). The AAFS Web site, ASCLD Web site, and individual state, county, or city Web sites are great sources for names and addresses of laboratories. Once the lab information is obtained, then a formal internship inquiry letter should be mailed to the lab director or internship coordinator. At this point, be patient! Oftentimes, do not be disappointed if no response is obtained. For this reason, a follow-up telephone call about a month after sending the letter is recommended. The call, like the letter, is professional and respectful in nature. The call may require subsequent return calls, but in most cases can lead to a positive outcome in the search for the internship opportunity. One final internship opportunity that may present itself to the forensic science student is the FBI Lab Internship. These internships are much sought after, in short supply, and as such, difficult to get. If a student is interested in a FBI internship, they must undergo an application process that can require a lengthy passage of time for resolution, but result in an excellent learning experience. The application process is best begun in the undergraduate's sophomore year so that the application and acceptance is completed so that the internship can be done in the summer between the junior and senior years. Application materials can be obtained through the regional FBI office or through the FBI Web site. Graduate forensic science students will likewise need ample lead-time for the application process. The FBI Internship requires that the student acquire local housing which should be kept in mind by the student contemplating the internship (an important consideration if the student does not reside or have relatives in the area, as housing can be expensive in DC). Obtaining an internship can be a frustrating experience for the forensic science student, but it is an exciting and reaffirming opportunity, too. Next newsletter…how to make the most of the internship time. |
Copyright
© 2001 Young Forensic Scientists Forum / American Academy of Forensic Sciences |