Should I be a forensic scientist?

Do you have a passion for science and a desire to find truth and seek justice in legal proceedings?

Then a career as a forensic scientist may be for you!

Forensic scientists, sometimes called criminalists or crime scene investigators, do many important tasks, which may include:

✔️ Collecting evidence, which may include weapons, fingerprints, bodily fluids, or digital data.

🔎 Analyzing physical and digital evidence collected from a crime scene.

⚖️ Providing expert testimony before and during trials.

📷 Photographing or making sketches of the crime scene and evidence.

📋 Accurately documenting findings of investigations.

Photo by Julia Koblitz on Unsplash

You will need:

• A bachelor's degree in science.

• An advanced degree or specialized training (Masters, Ph.D.) for some jobs in the field.

• Good speaking skills, as you may be called on to testify in court.

• Excellent note-taking and observation skills.

• The ability to write a scientific report.

• The ability to remain unbiased and maintain personal and professional integrity.

Average pay in the US:

• $62,570/year or $31.29/hour

Average pay in Canada:

• C$63,100/year or $31.55/hour

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