4 answers
Elayna
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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What careers would suit me if I am interested in going into either a biology related field or a criminal justice field?
I know that my preferences may change by the time I have to choose a primary topic of study for college. I'm just curious if there are any other careers within the couple of fields that I'm interested in and could be researching at the moment.
I like science in general: mainly chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Plus I've always liked working with animals.
I also like the process that goes into criminal investigation. I've been doing research and actively learning more about crime investigation to see if I'd like to pursue it in the future.
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Alright, so you're standing at this epic career crossroads, and on one side, you’ve got the thrilling world of forensic and criminal justice, and on the other, the wild and wonderful realm of biology and animal science. And guess what? You don’t have to pick just one—there are some awesome combos that blend both worlds like the ultimate career smoothie. Let’s break it down but not so down can't let it go top deep🤔. Or let's just start uhum.
If crime-solving gives you a buzz, forensic science could be your jam. Imagine channeling your inner CSI, but instead of just binge-watching it on TV, you’re the one analyzing DNA, figuring out what weird chemical was at the scene, or even using bugs (yes, bugs!) to figure out how long someone’s been, well… not alive. It’s science, but with a side of mystery.
Or maybe you like getting your hands dirty—literally. As a crime scene investigator, you’d be the one collecting the evidence, piecing together the puzzle, and basically being a real-life Sherlock Holmes (minus the deerstalker hat, unless that's your thing—no judgment).
Feeling wild?🦄 Wildlife forensics could be your secret calling. Picture yourself tracking down illegal poachers, stopping animal trafficking, or investigating shady environmental crimes. It’s like being a detective, but your clients are the animals who can’t speak for themselves. Cue the superhero vibes.
If you’re more about studying the creatures themselves, wildlife biology or zoology lets you dive deep into the animal kingdom. Whether you’re researching ecosystems, protecting endangered species, or figuring out why that one raccoon is acting so weird, you’ll be out there making a difference.
And hey, if you’ve always dreamed of working directly with animals, veterinary medicine is the classic route—but with a twist. Forensic veterinary pathology is where you investigate animal abuse cases or mysterious animal deaths. You’d be like a vet and a detective rolled into one.
Feeling adventurous?🙌 You could totally blend these passions together. Environmental forensics lets you investigate crimes against Mother Earth—think pollution scandals or illegal wildlife trading. Or, if you’re fascinated by how animals tick, studying animal behavior in forensics could help crack cases involving animal attacks or when animals are the unexpected witnesses to crime.
The coolest part is that honestly, 😏 You don’t have to decide right this second. There are interdisciplinary programs where you can explore both biology and criminal justice. Internships in labs, wildlife agencies, or law enforcement are a killer way to dip your toes in the water and see what clicks.
Now, whether you’re solving mysteries, saving animals, or doing both, there’s a career path out there with your name on it. And hey, who wouldn’t want a job that makes you feel like a crime-fighting, animal-saving badass? All the best hope this helped and good luck out there future awesomeness!
If crime-solving gives you a buzz, forensic science could be your jam. Imagine channeling your inner CSI, but instead of just binge-watching it on TV, you’re the one analyzing DNA, figuring out what weird chemical was at the scene, or even using bugs (yes, bugs!) to figure out how long someone’s been, well… not alive. It’s science, but with a side of mystery.
Or maybe you like getting your hands dirty—literally. As a crime scene investigator, you’d be the one collecting the evidence, piecing together the puzzle, and basically being a real-life Sherlock Holmes (minus the deerstalker hat, unless that's your thing—no judgment).
Feeling wild?🦄 Wildlife forensics could be your secret calling. Picture yourself tracking down illegal poachers, stopping animal trafficking, or investigating shady environmental crimes. It’s like being a detective, but your clients are the animals who can’t speak for themselves. Cue the superhero vibes.
If you’re more about studying the creatures themselves, wildlife biology or zoology lets you dive deep into the animal kingdom. Whether you’re researching ecosystems, protecting endangered species, or figuring out why that one raccoon is acting so weird, you’ll be out there making a difference.
And hey, if you’ve always dreamed of working directly with animals, veterinary medicine is the classic route—but with a twist. Forensic veterinary pathology is where you investigate animal abuse cases or mysterious animal deaths. You’d be like a vet and a detective rolled into one.
Feeling adventurous?🙌 You could totally blend these passions together. Environmental forensics lets you investigate crimes against Mother Earth—think pollution scandals or illegal wildlife trading. Or, if you’re fascinated by how animals tick, studying animal behavior in forensics could help crack cases involving animal attacks or when animals are the unexpected witnesses to crime.
The coolest part is that honestly, 😏 You don’t have to decide right this second. There are interdisciplinary programs where you can explore both biology and criminal justice. Internships in labs, wildlife agencies, or law enforcement are a killer way to dip your toes in the water and see what clicks.
Now, whether you’re solving mysteries, saving animals, or doing both, there’s a career path out there with your name on it. And hey, who wouldn’t want a job that makes you feel like a crime-fighting, animal-saving badass? All the best hope this helped and good luck out there future awesomeness!
I never knew some of these careers existed! I will definitely be researching more about them. Thank you.
Elayna
Awww, Elayna! That’s so exciting! Love that you’re exploring new possibilities—there’s so much out there just waiting for you! Keep going, keep dreaming, and amazing things will come your way! ✨💖 You are always welcome! 🥰
Dr H
Isida M
Accountant
38
Answers
Tirana, Tirana County, Albania
Updated
Isida’s Answer
Hello Elayna,
Your inquiry is right up my alley! You're the perfect mentor for me, but my specialty is economics. From my international perspective, because I live in the Balkans and have experience, I would recommend using your skills in another profession for example Bussines Analyst or Accountant. Personally, my background and experience are in finance and I would say that a business analyst's mind is observant of small details and checking, have skills in data collection & investigation.
How does a budding cartel boss succeed (and survive) in the 300 billion illegal drug business? By learning from the best, of course. From creating brand value to fine-tuning customer service, the folks running cartels have been attentive students to the strategy and tactics used by big corporations such as Coca-Cola or Walmart.
Do more exploring, like personality tests for example Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or DISC Assessment.
I hope it helps!
May blessings always be upon you!
Your inquiry is right up my alley! You're the perfect mentor for me, but my specialty is economics. From my international perspective, because I live in the Balkans and have experience, I would recommend using your skills in another profession for example Bussines Analyst or Accountant. Personally, my background and experience are in finance and I would say that a business analyst's mind is observant of small details and checking, have skills in data collection & investigation.
How does a budding cartel boss succeed (and survive) in the 300 billion illegal drug business? By learning from the best, of course. From creating brand value to fine-tuning customer service, the folks running cartels have been attentive students to the strategy and tactics used by big corporations such as Coca-Cola or Walmart.
Do more exploring, like personality tests for example Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or DISC Assessment.
I hope it helps!
May blessings always be upon you!
Kory Kline, BS, LVT, VTS
Licensed veterinary technologist
2
Answers
Stanhope, New Jersey
Updated
Kory’s Answer
Hey Elayna,
I was in the same boat you’re currently in about 12 years ago! While I was in the US Army caring for humans and animals(medically) my time was up in the military. I already had it in my mind I was going to be a level 1 trauma surgeon(human world). While I was going for my bachelors in molecular biology I decided to get as many credits I could so I can get a 4 years degree in 3 years, so I took an animal science course(mainly anatomy) about 2-3 weeks into the course I fell in love. Now I’ve had cats and dogs my whole life so the love of animals has always been there. I switched up a couple things and I did receive a B.S. Going backwards a little bit I bought and borrowed every book on vet meds, you name it I probably read it! I got a job in an ER/ICU and a day practice animal hospital. ITS A 16 DOCTOR PRACTICE(which is a lot). I already had prior training and experience because of me being a vet tech in the army. The rest was history. I’ve been in the field ever since and it’s great. I’m doing what I love to do. Pay can be really good with a bunch of letters after your name. Before I end up writing a whole novel, my advice to you would be why don’t do both? There are animal care specialist that work in the government or police departments. I’ve trained police,fire,EMS,military, you name it i trained it. Might not be the same as working in an animal hospital but maybe a K9 handler/officer. If you can’t decide get to a library or where people go now to do research and read books on animal Biology and physiology or maybe taken animal science course. And then vice versa with the criminology. I don’t know if this was helpful. I hope so I saw it and said to myself I have done both the “investigation” and “intelligence” and a vet tech. This was in the military. Unfortunately the civilian world does not look at animals the same as military or police which in the military if you are a K9 handler your dog is rank 1 tank higher than you so you have to show that dog respect. Police is similar just not really a ranking system. You ever think about going into the military? They will pay for any occupation you desire. I hope this helped a little bit
I was in the same boat you’re currently in about 12 years ago! While I was in the US Army caring for humans and animals(medically) my time was up in the military. I already had it in my mind I was going to be a level 1 trauma surgeon(human world). While I was going for my bachelors in molecular biology I decided to get as many credits I could so I can get a 4 years degree in 3 years, so I took an animal science course(mainly anatomy) about 2-3 weeks into the course I fell in love. Now I’ve had cats and dogs my whole life so the love of animals has always been there. I switched up a couple things and I did receive a B.S. Going backwards a little bit I bought and borrowed every book on vet meds, you name it I probably read it! I got a job in an ER/ICU and a day practice animal hospital. ITS A 16 DOCTOR PRACTICE(which is a lot). I already had prior training and experience because of me being a vet tech in the army. The rest was history. I’ve been in the field ever since and it’s great. I’m doing what I love to do. Pay can be really good with a bunch of letters after your name. Before I end up writing a whole novel, my advice to you would be why don’t do both? There are animal care specialist that work in the government or police departments. I’ve trained police,fire,EMS,military, you name it i trained it. Might not be the same as working in an animal hospital but maybe a K9 handler/officer. If you can’t decide get to a library or where people go now to do research and read books on animal Biology and physiology or maybe taken animal science course. And then vice versa with the criminology. I don’t know if this was helpful. I hope so I saw it and said to myself I have done both the “investigation” and “intelligence” and a vet tech. This was in the military. Unfortunately the civilian world does not look at animals the same as military or police which in the military if you are a K9 handler your dog is rank 1 tank higher than you so you have to show that dog respect. Police is similar just not really a ranking system. You ever think about going into the military? They will pay for any occupation you desire. I hope this helped a little bit
I never looked at it from the military side of the career world before. This was both helpful and interesting. Thank you.
Elayna
Courtney Chambers, MD., FACS
General Surgery
23
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
It is good to have choices. It sounds like you would do well on the science track. Keep it open and fun for as long as you can. You may not be able to incorporate everything into formal studies. For example, you could be a forensic scientist who volunteers at an animal shelter. Keep asking the question(s) of yourself and others, like on this forum. Then listen keenly to all the answers.
Will do. Thanks.
Elayna