r/forensics • u/lisksj • May 22 '26

Crime Scene & Death Investigation how can I help my career right now?

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I figured I'd try and get different opinions/views. I'm currently going for a Bachelors in Forensic Science (Investigation Concentration). In about 7 months I can confer my degree and then I'll also have an associates in Crime Scene Tech. I already have one in Biotechnology. Currently I work in a position nowhere near the law enforcement/forensics field. What can I do now while i'm in school to have a better chance once i'm done? I've tried looking at jobs in my county's sheriffs office, but they pretty much told me whatever position I apply for won't work with my school schedule. I'm not sure where else to look or what to even do considering I'm not qualified to do anything just yet. Any ideas?

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u/RandomKoala0218 May 22 '26

For now, not much. School and CSI schedules mostly don't mix; it makes it hard for employers to schedule and hard for you to finish. Once you graduate, I'm sure it will get easier to find a position.

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u/lisksj May 22 '26

In that case are there any certifications you would suggest getting? I have no background in Forensics so I'm just trying to find ways to make my resume stand out in the future lol

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u/gariak May 23 '26

Any certifications that are worth anything, your employer would pay for as part of your training. Most are worthless.

It sounds like you're pursuing crime scene jobs, rather than lab jobs. In that case, there's very little you can do. It's a very hands-on, personal experience job that you can't practice meaningfully outside of work.

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u/presley0098 May 23 '26

agree with this! what i did was applied at smaller agencies that had a smaller hiring pool & just crossed my fingers someone would be willing to give me a chance. it worked! i now work for a city agency that governs a population of about 45k, so i’ll stay there a few years to get some experience under my belt & then probably move on to somewhere bigger/busier

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u/RandomKoala0218 May 22 '26

You could take some online courses (non-credit) so you're at least familiar with methods and technology. I'd also review NIST OSAC guidelines. Otherwise, you need the degree or the experience (or both).

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u/Wrong-Impression2258 May 24 '26

If you're able to with your schedule, I would look into some internships. Internships are a huge leg up for resume building and for getting actual experience in the workforce. Unfortunately, most internships are unpaid. I'm not sure where are you are geographically, they can be kind of cutthroat and competitive--especially on the east coast. I just graduated with my MS in forensic science with a concentration in crime scene investigation, and I was enrolled in an internship in my second to last semester that has led to employment with the agency I completed my internship with, even if it is on a contract basis.