…A job!

Ill explain; Ive just finished my degree, and despite having a part time job in a camera shop I know I want to get out as soon as I can. I am now 23 (5 years of uni – 2 Business and then 3 Photography) and Im eager to get on with my life earning money, getting a car and my own place.

Recently Ive been feeling really lost. Ive been looking around at jobs and did have an idea of becoming a forensic photographer as I like the idea of combining a hobby in a non creative environment whilst ultimately making a difference to someones life. I am not easily flustered, have a strong stomach and sensitivity and have no problem working odd and long hours. From what I have read, the people I have spoken to on forums and talking to a professional forensic photograph specialist for the MET it seems like forensic photography does not really exist anymore as digital cameras can do it all well enough. There are specialists but it requires years of being a forensics officer and having perfect vision (Im colourblind) I still love the idea of becoming a scene of crime officer though, but after again more research I found that my qualifications are not geared to the job. Im reluctant to do more learning, plus Id have to fund myself as Im at my limit with the Student Loans Company.

I consider myself to have excellent communication skills, and have done well working in retail part time since I was 16, although I am quite tired of it now. I am not afraid of hard work, getting dirty or manual labour and as said before I dont mind working long hours. Im self confident, composed, sensible and dedicated. I know Im not going to be given a job but I have to work for it.

I have a degree in photography, a National Diploma in Business Studies, 2 A levels, an A.S. level and 10 GCSE's, 8 at C and above. If possible, I want to try and stay around Plymouth/Devon however Bristol is on the cards as soon as I get some money to go and stay with a friend for the week to look around.

Give me your ideas! Alternatively, give me some information on the area of forensics, especially if you have experience in that field.

Doug

The best bit of advice I could give right now is to apply for everything that takes your fancy, if there's anything available, but be prepared to sit tight in your current job until this recession is over…….

Have you looked into various police forces and whether they do on the job training for SOCO now? I know they have what they call VIXIES, volume crime investigators and you start my doing the basics on cars etc then you can get trained up to be full SOCO. Worth looking into it. If you want any more info you can always e-mail me.