Steps to Be a Great Forensic Science Professional: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Solving the unsolvable is a different kind of satisfaction. Aspiring students who enjoy solving such mysteries and want to be an integral part of the criminal justice system in India, being a forensic scientist might be a career for you. Scientific knowledge is used by forensic scientists to help solve crimes and to analyse evidence and support legal proceedings. 

Here are the steps that Indian students who want to build a good career in the field can take to become successful forensic science professionals: 

1. Understand the Role and Scope

First you have to know what the job of forensic scientists really is before you embark on your journey. They look at physical evidence from crime scenes, like DNA, fingerprints, hair and fibres, to assist law enforcement agencies with solving cases. This information is important in courtrooms, used by prosecution as well as defence. You can work with government agencies, with private labs, with hospitals, with banks, and even as a teacher or researcher and you are not limited to being a crime lab forensic science person.

2. Get the Right Educational Background

First of all, you need to pass your 10+2 with science subjects, especially biology and chemistry. You can then decide on either attending a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or any related field, such as biology, chemistry, or medical science. Universities in India, and some in India, offer specialised undergraduate and postgraduate courses in forensic science. You’ll be doing a lot of laboratory analysis with science, as your career will involve it.

3. Gain Some  Practical Skills

Hypothesis is what forensic science is all about but there are practical skills that you will need. They will learn to use laboratory equipment, treat evidence properly and understand scientific instruments. They will help you develop appropriate skills on how to study specific courses such as biochemistry, toxicology, analytical chemistry, and instrumental analysis. Additionally, such skills as analytical thinking, attention to details and problem solving should be developed so as to scan evidence and draw logical conclusions. 

4. Have The Required Knowledge 

This field demands you to have the knowledge of all the latest and upcoming things. Search for internships or volunteer experience with law enforcement agencies and crime labs and/or forensic departments; this will help you a lot with it. This practical exposure will be helpful in exposing you to real-world challenges and developing your skills in acquiring professional contacts. Internships are part of the curriculum in most universities and institutes.

5. Consider Specialisation

Forensic science has many specializations such as, forensic toxicology, digital forensics, forensic psychology and DNA analysis etc. If you are interested  in a particular area, then getting a master's degree or a certification in such specialisation should be your interest. This will help you become more competitive and offer you many more job opportunities.

6. Develop Soft Skills

The point is that, apart from the technical knowledge, soft skills are also important. This will provide you with the ability to explain your findings clearly to the law enforcement or the court. Alongside it comes teamwork, time management and ethical judgement, as you will normally be working with other professionals and dealing with sensitive matters.

7. Stay Updated and Keep Learning

Forensic science is always changing and always developing newer methods and new technology. One can stay updated by reading industry journals, attending workshops, and becoming a member of a professional  organisation. It is through continuous learning that you will always live ahead and adjust to the changes in the business.

Apart from these 7 steps, you should also, after getting the education on the right track and the right experience, begin to apply for jobs. Draft a formidable CV with your technical skills, internships and specialisation that you have done. Practice common questions and verify the analytical and problem-solving skills that you have to be prepared for interviews. You can also use platforms like Youtube, and instagram to jot down interview questions and prepare accordingly. 

In conclusion, to become a part of forensic science is not only a job but something that makes a difference in the society. As a forensic science professional, you play a vital role as a link between science and justice, helping to peel back the veil of our lives to confront the truth and enable justice to be done in our courts. Working in this field allows you to work on exciting and important cases that matter. Despite the exhausting work required, the dedication, and consistent learning that are involved, the rewards are truly worth it. Through developing relevant technical and soft skills, and having practical experience in the field along with building a solid foundation in the science of it all, you will be  on your way to a good-cause future that is both respected and desired.