Abigail Brown is a May 2021 graduate of the Forensic and Investigative Science Program. Read more about her story and what she is up to now.
Read Abby's Story:
COVID hit us hard in many places and for me, it affected my internship year. I was unable to land an internship between my junior and senior year so upon graduating, I had no practical experience. I applied to all the jobs in my area and couldn’t even get an interview. After my nth rejection, I reached out to the forensic unit supervisor of the Virginia Beach Police Department and asked if they needed any help or if I could volunteer as a way to get my foot in the door. It just so happens they did need help with a project. From January - May of 2022 I interned with the VBPD’s Forensic Services Unit by day, and earned a living by night, bartending at a yacht club. By the end of my internship, they had a position opening. I interviewed, and 2 months later was offered a position as a full-time forensic services technician!
My first year was full of nonstop learning, growth, and taking chances/building confidence. I worked 154 scenes solo in my first year and was lead technician on 7 major cases. I lifted 215 latent fingerprint cards of value, resulting in 36 positive identifications. I now even run the summer internship program (takes a former intern to know a good one!), giving students their shot in starting their careers in forensic science.
This field is definitely difficult to get into, but what I learned is that if you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a job immediately. It took me over a year! It takes ambition and drive - never be afraid to ask people questions! You never know what opportunities lie ahead. Good luck future forensic graduates!!