A well-rounded course and research-active staff
The University of Greenwich captured Jake’s attention after he looked into the Forensic Science with Criminology, BSc Hons degree on offer and was impressed by what he read about the course and the university’s research-active staff.
The course had a focus on the practical side of forensics instead of being just theory-based. Also, looking at the vast amount of industry and topic-relevant knowledge of staff sold me really.
He applied for the course and was accepted. He had high hopes for his first-choice university, and he was not disappointed.
Professional and personal development at Greenwich
Jake enjoyed the practical side of the course, but also found that the lectures delivered by course lecturers and guest industry specialists were thoroughly engaging and informative. Of his university experience, Jake says he valued being able to develop important skills he can transfer between his personal and professional life.
Professionally, he says the course opened his eyes to the different areas of forensics that incorporate a criminal investigation. One practical task Jake remembers is the Disaster Victim Identification training he underwent in a mock mortuary exercise as part of the course, which is run annually, with the aid of industry experts and live actors for training simulations. The training scenarios are based on real-world experiences, led by industry experts.
At the same time, being a university student allowed him to grow in confidence and learn more about himself.
The experiences I had whilst studying at Greenwich really brought out a completely new side to me; this has helped me on the path to being my most authentic self.
He goes on to explain that university was a chance to reinvent himself, and he made lifelong friends at Greenwich.
An industry that makes a difference
Jake was keen to get a job in his industry after graduating in 2017. His chance came when he was hired as a Laboratory Technician for a toxicology team. Not long after, he was offered his dream role as Digital Forensic Examiner. His specialisms lie in mobile technologies – he carries out examinations of mobile phones in line with local operating procedures and also produces examination plans, contemporaneous notes, forensic reports, disclosure forms and Criminal Justice Act statements.
Jake says anyone working within the forensic industry is making a positive difference to society, because the right evidence collected by investigators can mean the right conviction is received in a court of law. Jake is proud to be supporting criminal investigations in the British justice system through his work every day.
