2 answers
Brynn
Student
New York, New York
2
Questions
Updated
621 views
What career path fits my strengths best?
I’m a student who loves problem-solving, I look outside the box, and analyze small details. I enjoy figuring out how things connect and understanding the “why” behind people’s actions. I’m interested in forensics or crime analysis, but I’m not sure which roles match my strengths the most. I also do not want to be sitting behind a desk on a computer all the time!! I’d appreciate any guidance from anyone with answers.
2 answers
Robiah Thabit
Process Engineer
13
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Robiah’s Answer
Hello Brynn
Since you love problem solving, digging into small details, and understanding why people do what they do, and you don’t want a job that keeps you at a desk, there are several careers in criminal justice that fit you really well.
1. Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
This is very hands on. You are out at crime scenes collecting evidence, documenting details, and piecing together what happened. Great for people who notice small things others miss.
2. Forensic or Behavioral Interviewer
If you are curious about human behavior, this role focuses on interviewing victims, witnesses, or suspects and analyzing patterns in how people respond. It is active and people focused.
3. Field Based Crime Analyst
Not all analysts sit behind a computer all day. Some work directly with police units, go to briefings, and help interpret crime patterns in real time.
4. Forensic Anthropologist or Recovery Specialist
These roles involve on site recovery work and analyzing remains. Very detail oriented and rarely desk only.
5. Detective after starting as a police officer
You get to investigate cases, connect clues, talk to people, and figure out motives. If you enjoy understanding behavior and solving puzzles, this is a strong match.
If you are unsure which direction to choose
Try shadowing a local investigator or take intro classes in forensics and psychology. Pay attention to what you enjoy more, analyzing evidence, people, or patterns. That helps point you to the right career.
You already have the strengths of a great investigator. Curiosity, analytical thinking, and attention to detail. There are jobs in this field that get you out in the field and let you put those skills to work.
Since you love problem solving, digging into small details, and understanding why people do what they do, and you don’t want a job that keeps you at a desk, there are several careers in criminal justice that fit you really well.
1. Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
This is very hands on. You are out at crime scenes collecting evidence, documenting details, and piecing together what happened. Great for people who notice small things others miss.
2. Forensic or Behavioral Interviewer
If you are curious about human behavior, this role focuses on interviewing victims, witnesses, or suspects and analyzing patterns in how people respond. It is active and people focused.
3. Field Based Crime Analyst
Not all analysts sit behind a computer all day. Some work directly with police units, go to briefings, and help interpret crime patterns in real time.
4. Forensic Anthropologist or Recovery Specialist
These roles involve on site recovery work and analyzing remains. Very detail oriented and rarely desk only.
5. Detective after starting as a police officer
You get to investigate cases, connect clues, talk to people, and figure out motives. If you enjoy understanding behavior and solving puzzles, this is a strong match.
If you are unsure which direction to choose
Try shadowing a local investigator or take intro classes in forensics and psychology. Pay attention to what you enjoy more, analyzing evidence, people, or patterns. That helps point you to the right career.
You already have the strengths of a great investigator. Curiosity, analytical thinking, and attention to detail. There are jobs in this field that get you out in the field and let you put those skills to work.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Brynn,
I have to admit that you have an outstanding combination of strengths: excellent attention to detail, big-picture thinking, pattern recognition, and curiosity. These qualities are highly valued in forensic and investigative industries, particularly in positions that don't require you to spend all of your time behind a desk.
There are a number of career options that might be ideal for you if you like solving puzzles in real time and understanding why people behave the way they do:
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
In this field, you would be actively recording events, gathering proof, and analyzing minute elements that contribute to a larger narrative. It's fast-paced and hands-on, and demands the kind of analytical approach you already possess.
- Forensic Psych Technician / Behavioral Science Assistant
This path combines psychology and research if you're interested in the "why" behind choices. You would assist criminal profiling teams, conduct interviews, and study behavioral trends. It's not just paperwork; it's more active than most people realize.
- Forensic Anthropology or Field Forensics
This is for a person who enjoys science and movement. You would look into remains, find evidence outside, and relate tangible clues to actual occurrences.
- Intelligence or Crime Analyst (Field-Hybrid Roles)
Some analyst positions include fieldwork, such as conducting source interviews, assisting task force investigations, or providing police with firsthand knowledge.
- Forensic Technician (Lab + Field Hybrid)
When necessary, you would go on-site in addition to handling evidence in the lab. You get movement, variety, and daily problem-solving from it.
The combination of curiosity, pattern detection, innovative thinking, and seeing what others overlook is exactly what unites all of these.
The best course of action is to shadow someone in one of these fields or inquire about volunteer opportunities and student tours offered by your local police department, medical examiner's office, or college forensics program. You may know which way ignites that "this is it" moment by entering the area even once.
You're already thinking like an investigator; all you need to do now is pick the form of that task that gives you the greatest energy.
Best wishes!
I have to admit that you have an outstanding combination of strengths: excellent attention to detail, big-picture thinking, pattern recognition, and curiosity. These qualities are highly valued in forensic and investigative industries, particularly in positions that don't require you to spend all of your time behind a desk.
There are a number of career options that might be ideal for you if you like solving puzzles in real time and understanding why people behave the way they do:
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
In this field, you would be actively recording events, gathering proof, and analyzing minute elements that contribute to a larger narrative. It's fast-paced and hands-on, and demands the kind of analytical approach you already possess.
- Forensic Psych Technician / Behavioral Science Assistant
This path combines psychology and research if you're interested in the "why" behind choices. You would assist criminal profiling teams, conduct interviews, and study behavioral trends. It's not just paperwork; it's more active than most people realize.
- Forensic Anthropology or Field Forensics
This is for a person who enjoys science and movement. You would look into remains, find evidence outside, and relate tangible clues to actual occurrences.
- Intelligence or Crime Analyst (Field-Hybrid Roles)
Some analyst positions include fieldwork, such as conducting source interviews, assisting task force investigations, or providing police with firsthand knowledge.
- Forensic Technician (Lab + Field Hybrid)
When necessary, you would go on-site in addition to handling evidence in the lab. You get movement, variety, and daily problem-solving from it.
The combination of curiosity, pattern detection, innovative thinking, and seeing what others overlook is exactly what unites all of these.
The best course of action is to shadow someone in one of these fields or inquire about volunteer opportunities and student tours offered by your local police department, medical examiner's office, or college forensics program. You may know which way ignites that "this is it" moment by entering the area even once.
You're already thinking like an investigator; all you need to do now is pick the form of that task that gives you the greatest energy.
Best wishes!
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