Forensic science teaches keen attention to details and analyses of materials. It requires good organizational, filing, and reporting skills. Most forensic scientists are used as witnesses in crime litigations and are called upon to defend their findings. Forensic scientists are therefore meticulous in their methods and processes when processing pieces of evidences. They must also exude a certain level of confidence and credibility to withstand cross-examinations.

Forensics, as it may be referred to more popularly, involves the use of different techniques that other laboratory technicians have mastered such as DNA profiling from samples such as blood, hair, saliva, and fingerprints. It also requires application of knowledge in physics for calculating speed, time, weight, and other factors to determine causes and the exact period or time that something occurred.

Interest in forensic science has grown in recent years, perhaps driven by the popularity of hit TV shows such as CSI, or Crime Scene Investigation, and Alias. To address this growing demand, most universities offer courses on forensic science topics that may be taken as electives to supplement any of the pure science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Law and medical students are also exploring their interests in forensic science, perhaps to aid them better when they become professionals. And even professionals such as journalists and litigation lawyers enroll in forensic science courses to enrich their work experiences. But to be very good in the field of forensics, one must be well versed in the different fields of science and must have experience using scientific and mathematical procedures to arrive at conclusions and analyses.

But these sciences, even if they have been mostly studied by men, have been also studied in great extend by women over the years. While some scholars support that considerable biological differences between men and women affect their representation in science, there is a substantive body of evidence indicating that overall intelligence does not differ between men and women. Still controversy persists as to whether specific aspects of cognitive ability differ. But there is no ideal constellation of cognitive abilities required to be a scientist. To become a successful scientist, one needs to have deductive reasoning abilities, adequate verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, intuition, and social skills. Even if we accept that men and women differ in some of these abilities, there is no basis on which one may assume that men will have greater success than women in science, because different academic backgrounds, personal skills and mental abilities create equally successful approaches and styles. Moreover, there is no convincing evidence that women’s representation in science is limited by innate ability. For example, between 1970 and 2003 a considerable 30 percent increase occurred in the proportion of Ph.D.’s granted to women in engineering. Since people support that this was the outcome of dramatic changes in attitudes and laws relevant to gender, the fact that more women were able to successfully graduate from their PhD’s programs provides strong evidence of the cultural and structural impediments to women.

Moral and legal imperatives to ensure equal opportunity provide sufficient reasons to examine the causes of the disparities and to attempt to rectify them. Equally compelling is the impact that equity will have on the quality of today’s universities and the competitiveness of any nation. Heterogeneity among students, faculty, and staff can strengthen universities’ role in fundamental ways. Specifically, the design of more innovative solutions to problems is the outcome of heteroclite groups, which can bring a higher level of critical analysis to decisions. Furthermore, institutions that welcome women foster more favorable working environments for all community members.

Concluding, institutional transformation necessitates collective examination of attitudes and the behaviors observed, which can be rather disquieting, since it requires engagement with issues of life-style, reproduction, hiring, and academic customs. But, the most uncomfortable of every possible discovery is the realization that all people have their own unconscious biases, which can shape behavior patterns and lead to such gaps.

Having a background in information technology will prepare you for further training in the specialized occupations below. If you have the computer savvy and experience to navigate computer science and IT programs, you may want to build on what you know and put yourself in a position for a better paying job and higher job satisfaction.

The nature of technology is change. Many U.S. companies are recruiting workers from a global pool, due to the shortage of highly trained workers in our own country. This is a good time to gain the skills and knowledge that will put you in the position you desire.

Network engineers-

Network engineers, or network administrators, design, install, maintain and computer communication systems within a building or office (LAN) or in a larger system such as traffic control devices in a city (MAN). Network engineers also link across national boundaries (WAN) or combining networks over global areas (GAN). Network administrators make it possible for communication to happen within and between groups, sharing files and resources. Network engineers connect offices with T1 lines, hook them up to the Internet, and configure all internal systems including firewalls and routers. The software engineer needs to be able to convert technical information into lay terms to instruct users.

Network engineers require a broad knowledge of networking, servers and security. Courses in IT are available online and in 2-year and technical institutes. Employers value those who have been through an apprenticeship or have on the job experience. Obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree will enhance chances of moving up into a higher paying position.

Information systems management-

Information systems management is a hybrid career- part productions/operations management and part information systems. The information systems manager problem-solves tech problems in all areas and phases of business operations and production that use technology.

Information systems managers need to stay current with new developments in technology, have top-notch technical skills, and be very familiar with information architecture, network configurations, databases, systems developmental tools and systems integration.

The minimum education is a 4-year degree in an ISM program, or a master’s degree in a computer science specialty along with certification in various software applications. Because this occupation combines business principles with advanced technology, coursework must include both. ISM programs are offered at 4-year colleges and technical institutes, and online.

Software engineering-

Software engineers research, design, develop and test operating systems-level software, network distribution software and compilers. They work with a variety of scientific, military, communications, industrial, business, and medical software applications. Software engineers also set operational specifications as well as analyze and formulate software requirements.

This occupation is currently in high demand. It requires a 4-year degree in a computer science discipline. Most employers require relevant job experience. Certification in several software applications will make an applicant or employee more valuable.

Training programs for software engineering are offered at vocational schools, community and technical colleges and institutes, and online colleges and universities. Extensive job experience is often substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Computer programming-

The California Occupational Guide provides this description of a computer programmer’s job: “Computer programmers write, test and maintain programs or software that tell the computer what to do. They convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into a computer language. They develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data and information. They may program Websites.” This concise description covers a lot of ground in a few words.

Programmers must be able to deal with people, and are often called upon to problem-solve, train and supervise others. A natural bent for logical thinking, language acquisition and mathematical application is useful. The ability to communicate with others verbally and in writing is important. Programmers need to be able to adapt to change and update skills as new technology is introduced.

Programmers need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum. Many employers are asking for master’s degrees with specialized concentrations. Programmers need to be trained in various programming languages. Training is offered at colleges, universities, technical institutes and online. Professional certification is available after a program of study and testing from such private corporations as CISCO and Microsoft.

IT Network Security-

Network security specialists are called by many names but the job is basically the same. They plan, design, implement, monitor and upgrade information security measures for networks. The security specialist designs measures that allow, limit or restrict access to network users. Some specialists are responsible for a whole company’s or group’s security, or may be responsible for a portion of the security measures. The security specialist must have excellent communication skills and keep up to date with skills and knowledge since new security threats and measures are continually presenting new challenges.

Network security specialists need a college degree plus several years of relevant experience. Training is available at colleges, technical institutes, and online. Continuing education is a must. Certification for various software applications by private firms is helpful.