Entry Level CSI Jobs Are Not for the Faint of Heart
Due to the popularity of certain television shows, the field of forensics is hotter than ever. More students are studying to enter this field after college, which means that in order to get an entry level job, or an internship, you need to work harder than students who went through similar programs even just ten years ago.
Forensics has many different components. There are entry level positions in a variety of different fields, not just limited to science. While people think of forensics and think of CSI, lab techs, or pathologist's assistants, there is more to the industry, like forensic accounting and forensic psychology.
Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) work with the police department at all kinds of crime scenes, not just murders. They are trained to not only know criminal procedures, but also look for evidence to help catch and convict criminals. This could mean taking blood samples, looking for finger prints, DNA, or other physical evidence. Applicants for entry level jobs as CSIs should know that they will be entering crime scenes that could be highly bloody and have disturbing images; this is not for the faint of heart.
Laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants work with the evidence that the CSIs collect out in the field in a laboratory environment. They are the ones who help track down substances to see where they are from, and they complete DNA tests used to identify both victims and criminals. They will also assist in examining bodies for clues, and perform other work as directed.
While entry level jobs may consist of menial work, they help build a good foundation for more advanced positions and responsibilities.
Forensic psychology is similar to the function of a profiler. It is the forensic psychologist's job to investigate the crime scene and the evidence, to look for clues about a criminal's motivation and habits. These profiles can be quite useful in helping to narrow down the list of potential suspects. Forensic accountants tend not to work with physical evidence collected at a crime scene, but rather accounting records obtained by subpoenas. It is their job to track down money, both where it went and where it came from, in order to help uncover fraud and other improprieties.
Article by freelance writer, Chris Y
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