Hot Tip -- by Susan Gillespie

From real world Forensic Scientists to actors that portray CSI investigators. From singing Stars, to the Engineers who record their albums. The potential for glamour and excitement is tantalizing. But, the big question remains... How many people actually work in these occupations and what does it take to get there?

The reality is that the people who make it to the top have done their time in the trenches, at low paying acting, music related or lab tech positions before getting into big network shows, music recording or forensics.

Regardless of the occupation, it is important to consider how well your work values and interests fit with an occupation. What aspect of these occupations appeal to you?

For the aspiring Actor/Actress - are you willing to work sporadically? Can you handle a second job, while you build a name and reputation?

Making connections is critical in this industry. Flexibility, adaptability and creativity are essential if you hope to survive as a performance artist. Equally important is an ability to market yourself.

Be prepared with a second plan to support yourself while you gain experience and meet the right people. Auditions are competitive and parts are piece meal (not regular). If you like a regular work week, this is not a job for you. There are long hours and usually evening and weekend performances. Acting and performing arts careers are highly coveted, and very competitive. Don't quit your day job yet!

Another possibility for actors/actresses looking to get into the industry is to become involved in the business side of things (marketing, office admin or the like). It can be a useful avenue for making contacts and learning about the industry. These artistic business jobs are few and far between, as people generally hang on to them, even though they typically don't pay well.

For Sound/Recording Engineers - are you a technical/electronics whiz as well as a musician? Do you enjoy troubleshooting? Do you have a good ear for balance, tone and composition? Can you read music?

It's all about who you know. Volunteer with your school musical or theatre productions, and be prepared to work weekends and evenings. Learn your electronics and music, you need to know both, as this is a very technical industry. A possible starting point would be the broadcast industry. Radio and TV production may help you acquire some of the skills, experience and contacts you will need in the future. Become a member of relevant professional associations, including the Alberta Recording Industry Association www.aria.ab.ca/. Network and volunteer wherever you can.

For the budding Forensic Scientist - would you enjoy detailed, painstaking time in labs? Are you detail oriented, organized and methodical? Are you willing to put a number of years into your education and work in general lab work before entering forensics?

You should know that CSI, the television series, is not an accurate portrayal of what happens in a typical criminal investigation. In the real world, law enforcement and laboratory work are separate endeavors.

Scientists who perform DNA, drug and blood analysis work (almost always in laboratories) handle multiple cases and projects at the same time. Those involved in forensic work are typically well educated and have years of experience. A high degree of skill and knowledge is required when testifying in court and preparing volumes of detailed court documentation.

If you don't like chemistry or biology, forensics may not be the field for you. However, there are other directions you can go with a science background, IF you are flexible. Some possibilities include medicine, geology, anthropology, nursing, dentistry, chemistry, and biochemistry. If you become a recognized authority in one of these areas, you could suddenly find yourself involved in forensic work

For those individuals who are not scientifically inclined, but still interested in forensics, there are other, non-scientific, crime related duties. Consider working as a forensic accountant, psychologist, insurance claims investigator or in law enforcement.

So have a plan B. If you are still interested in forensics, be prepared to start in general lab work. The private sector offers numerous lab opportunities. Many labs specialize in specific areas (DNA, alcohol or drug testing for example) and likely provide lab work for the police department as well as ‘run of the mill' paternity testing. You have to start somewhere.

Here in Canada, the RCMP operates forensic labs in Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, and Halifax, in addition to a Central Forensic Lab in Ottawa. Check out their website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/labs/labs_e.htm

Good luck!