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Crime Scene Investigation:
"The searching for and collection of multiple types of evidence (at a crime scene) that would assist in (an) investigation" is what crime scene investigation (CSI) is all about, explains Gibbens. Walking, stooping, crawling, kneeling, climbing, pushing, and pulling objects--careers in CSI are physically and mentally demanding.
In a CSI career, you'll identify and describe people, places, things and crime scenes by sketching, writing reports and testifying in courtrooms. You can become a fingerprint technician, crime scene investigator or evidence technician.
Try studying crime scene reconstruction, evidence search and collection, bullet trajectory and bloodstain pattern analysis. Some positions require a four-year college degree in science while others require only a high school diploma.
You may be a sworn-in police officer or a civilian, depending on the job requirements. "A person must be ethical, hardworking, articulate, a good writer and communicator, fast learner, able to work through methods and thought processes, flexible, be able to prioritize and handle very stressful situations," Gibbens says.
Mortuary science:
Mortuary science is "the study of the disposition of a deceased," says E. David Ladd, an assistant professor in the department of mortuary science at Wayne State University. "It involves the preparation of the body, the funeral arrangements on behalf of the family and the final disposition of the deceased."
You will find many career options that relate to the mortuary science field, such as crematorium worker, embalming fluid manufacturer, hearse driver and technician for eye and ear banks.
Educational and training requirements vary. Many positions in the field call for certification and a degree. "(Students) learn the technical aspects of preparing the deceased for a funeral and to assist the family during the emotional impact of the death," Ladd says. "Most states require a licensed funeral director to be competent in all aspects required to facilitate the disposition of the deceased."
As the population grows, so does the need for funeral service professionals. With more than 22,000 funeral homes in the United States, there are many positions available. "Until science can eliminate death as one of the constants in our lives, the proper, ethical and required disposition of the deceased will always provide a personally satisfying career opportunity," Ladd says. If you don't faint at the thought of seeing a dead body, are a caring person who can be sensitive to others' grief and respect different faiths and cultures, you may find your calling within the noble mortuary science profession.
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This article is provided by The Next Step Magazine, a publication that helps students prepare for life after high school. Visit them at nextSTEPmag.com
