Move offers new opportunity, but would it be wise?

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October 12, 2011

Move offers new opportunity, but would it be wise?

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Q: I have an extensive background in telecommunications and am employed in the cable industry, but my first career choice was law enforcement. I have an AA in criminal justice and want to transfer into a forensic science program. The state I reside in (Pennsylvania) requires a period as a sworn police officer before you can be trained in a specialty, but Washington is one of the few states that will hire civilians to work as forensic technicians in connection with a police department without actually becoming a police officer. Given the state of the economy, should I consider a move to Seattle?
— D.C., Philadelphia

Kristen says: Seattle is doing better than a lot of areas in terms of jobs, but many local public-service agencies (such as police and fire departments) have been cutting back due to a huge state budget deficit. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 20 percent increase nationally in forensic science technician jobs between 2008 and 2018, but only a 6 percent increase in the state of Washington. Additionally, predictions generally do not take into account economic downturns.

Check your school’s placement record of new graduates over the past two to three years, and look for co-op or internship opportunities that will help you get practical experience on your résumé. I would also suggest joining the Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists, making connections and asking what the job market is like in this area.

Since you have some time left as a student before you can realistically transition to a new job, continuing in your current field could give you some stability. Although it doesn’t satisfy your passion, it is a solid job in a troubled economy. And as public agencies make cutbacks, it would be best to have a job while you are pursuing a forensic-technician position.

Comcast, Verizon and CenturyLink (which recently purchased Qwest) are the most visible local providers in our area. The cable industry has been doing fairly well in this area; check companies’ corporate websites, as well as NWjobs.com, Craigslist and Monster, for opportunities. If you have contacts in Seattle to leverage, that might weigh more heavily in favor of a move.