How to Get a Forensic Science Internship
If you want a job in a specialized field you have to consider an internship par for the course. Interning usually isn’t glamorous work, but it is worth every bit of effort as it will help you land your dream job much more easily. If it can’t help you land your dream job, it can help you get to a place where you can get that one job that you have always wanted.
Make a Forensic Science Internship Your Reality
The first thing you need to do when you want an internship is to get with your teachers, your advisors, and your friends in the field. Many times there are internships just waiting to happen, you just have to put the word out that you are looking.
There are a lot of companies that will not advertise for interns but simply wait for those that are hungry enough for success to come to them. Don’t be afraid to put your feelers out there with those that you know to see if they have any connections for you to make.
Freshen up your resume. If you have a two year old resume you may find that companies or individuals with which you would intern will not look twice. Make sure that you put all of your most current information in your resume and make sure that it is written professionally. Freshening up your resume really can make all the difference when you want an internship.
Make sure you have quality references. If you have worked closely with a professor or a professional in this field, ask them if you can use them as a reference. When you have relevant references a company that you apply for an internship is more likely to take you more seriously than if you list your best friend and your neighbor.
Don’t be afraid to take an internship with a small lab or company. Some experience is better than none. Many of us wait for that flashy internship, and while this would be ideal, it’s not always practical. You can learn a lot from a smaller lab or company and though this may not stand out on your resume like some other internship, it will stand out more than no practical experience.
Think outside the box. Forensic science internships are being pursued by many different students and if you think outside the box and apply for internships that are not as popular or as common you may find that it is easier to get in, get your experience, and benefit from it in the future.
These are some very simple and straight forward tips to help you get an internship in forensic science. You may want to apply for much different internship through your schooling so that you make sure that you are continuing your practical experience until the time when you can be hired for your education, experience, and passion for forensic science.