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Forensic Scientist Career Interview
Brandon Conrad has been a forensic scientist working out of Texas for over 10 years. As the manager of the forensic department, he not only has to oversee his staff but also do analysis. And no, he hasn’t starred in CSI.
Forensic Scientist Career Path
“I started in this career before CSI came along,” says Brandon. “In college, I was looking toward research in chemistry over actually being out in the field. I needed to find a job that included chemistry, and I found one with the local sheriff office in the forensics department. I fell in love with it and have been with it ever since.”
Experiences of a Forensic Scientist
Brandon attended West Texas A&M University for his Bachelor’s of Science degree in biochemistry.
“After that, I worked in Austin with the Department of Public Safety as an evidence technician,” Brandon explains. “I had to maintain the evidence and fingerprints and prepared DNA samples for outsourcing. I then moved on to become the controlled substance analyst, and then worked my way up to being the manager of the forensics department.”
He adds, “I have spent 10 years in the field.”
Forensic Degree Programs
“You need to have a chemistry or biology degree,” says Brandon. “Although there are some schools that offer forensic science degrees, you will discover that employers require degrees in chemistry. If you want to work with DNA, you need either a biology or biochemistry degree.”
He continues, “Some scientists have a master’s degree or a PhD, but those aren’t required unless you want to work with DNA. You would need at least a master’s degree to progress in that field in addition to your bachelor degree.”
Forensic Scientist Job Description
As the head of the forensics department in Amarillo, Texas, Brandon is in charge of supervising the laboratory and those working there.
“I supervise three people in additional to still working as an analyst myself,” says Brandon.
Forensic Scientist Daily Routine
Although the job seems highly glamorous in such shows as CSI, Brandon has daily responsibilities just like any other job.
“I obtain samples to analyze from our secure vault,” he explains. “Then, I do the case work with the samples, document the results, and then return the samples. I also have to testify in court when the case calls for it.”
Forensic Scientist: Steps to Success
“The job is very detail-oriented,” says Brandon. “You have to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. Everything you learn, even in your earliest days of forensic education, has to be retained. You can see a particular drug years after you first worked with it, and you still have to remember how to analyze it.”
He adds, “You also have to be able to communicate your findings in layman’s terms since you have to testify before a jury.”
Forensic Scientist Job Opportunities
Due to the small market for forensic scientists out there, the career can be very competitive depending on your region of work.
“There aren’t a lot of private employers for this type of job,” Brandon explains. “Most positions are for the city or other branches of government. For instance, my staff and I service 26 countries, so that’s four jobs for all of that area.”
However, if you are flexible in moving to where the jobs are, the jobs are out there. Just don’t expect it to be as glorious as the TV shows make it out to be.
Favorite Part About a Forensic Science Career
“I enjoy being able to do something different every day,” says Brandon. “I have the chance to see something new with each analysis.”
A Forensic Scientist’s Future Ambitions
Brandon plans on continuing to use his scientific experience to help people right where he is at the forensics department.
Advice for Prospective Forensic Scientists
“Know and learn the chemistry during your education,” Brandon advises. “During your coursework, you might not think you’ll ever use everything you learn, but you’d be surprised on what I need to still use from then.”
He continues, “You also need to get involved in local opportunities and professional organizations for experience and connections. You’ll have access to a vast amount of knowledge from other members.”
