How to Compare Beginning Jobs for CSI Professionals

With every career, you have to start somewhere, and in the business world, that first job is described as entry level. Fortunately however, CSI professionals can find high-paying beginning jobs if they know where to look and who to contact. Building a career as a CSI professional means constantly working your way to the top, especially since a CSI salary can range from $12.00 per hour to more than $30.00 per hour.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand that your profession is in demand, which means that there is always a shortage of CSI professionals. Interview with as many agencies and departments as possible so that you know you're getting the best pay and benefits.
2. Realize that beginning CSI jobs can be found in unlikely places. For example, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) hires CSI professionals for investigations. An entry-level field investigator starts between $35,000 and $45,000. That can be a quick ticket into a federal career.
3. Talk with people who are already employed with the agency or firm you are considering. Find out if the salary and benefits are attractive and whether or not they like their jobs.
4. Visit the Monster, Career Builder and HotJobs Web sites to compare job classifieds. You might find careers with companies you haven't considered before.
5. Ask plenty of questions during interviews about working conditions, pay, benefits and overtime to make sure you have all of the information.
6. Look for job opportunities that offer paid continued education so that you can continue to further your knowledge in forensics, thereby opening up new avenues for your career.
7. Inquire about CSI job opportunities with universities and medical hospitals. Often, they have some of the highest paying jobs in the CSI industry.

What to Look For:

• www.monster.com www.hotjobs.yahoo.com www.careerbuilder.com www.atf.treas.gov

Tips & Warnings

• Try to look at several different job opportunities before choosing one. You never know what may come along.
• Bring a notebook and pen to interviews so you can take notes to review later by yourself.
• Make a pro and cons list for all jobs you are considering to help work out which is best for you.
• Look at factors other than just salary. Benefits, working conditions, hours and responsibilities are all key factors in choosing a beginning CSI job.