Re: what do you get out of being a forensic scientist is it worth all the study

Dear Rosanna,

I have been a forensic scientists for 27 years. I enjoy my job and believe that it was worth all of the studying that I did.

As a young boy, I enjoyed science. I read science textbooks on my own, loved Biology and knew that I wanted to do something in science. At first, I was pre-med. Then I thought of becoming a professor and teaching biology. I became a forensic scientist quite by accident but have enjoyed it.

You state that you want to be a forensic scientist and mention C.S.I.. The job is really nothing like C.S.I.. Here are some sites that may help explain what we do:
http://www.allcriminaljusticeschools.com/faqs/forensictech.php
http://www.csfs.ca/To_be_a_Forensic_Scientist.htm
http://www.aafs.org/default.asp? section_id=resources&page_id=choosing_a_career
http://www.forensic.gov.uk/forensic_t/inside/career/c_faq.htm
http://www.forensic.msu.edu/frequentlyaskedquestions.htm
http://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/information/careers.html

I recommend going into a field because you love it. I loved science so my job was a good fit. Then all the studying won't seem so difficult because you'll find that you enjoy reading it.

Regards,

Dale L. Laux
Forensic Scientist