This six weeks I was required to interview to people in the field of Forensics.
Questions to ask during an interview with a Professional
Name (full name): Kathleen Kohutko
(How do you spell your first full name as you want it used) Kathy
Title of Organization: Juneau County Coroner’s Office
- What made you want to be in the Forensic field? I have always been interested in criminal science and started to acquire a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2003. I was hired as the Coroner’s secretary in January of 2004 which opened up more opportunities for training in the field. Forensics is a fascinating field and one which is always changing as technology progresses. I enjoy the investigative part of a death, whether it is natural or unnatural.
- Describe some of your most important career accomplishments? The most important career accomplishment thus far is the success of being elected coroner in the November 2010 election.
- What motivates you to do this job? It is important to speak for those who no longer can, along with helping those that are left behind. I am a compassionate person who understands how death affects loved ones and want to help them obtain the answers they are seeking.
- Where did you go to college? How long did you go for? What were your degrees in? I went to college in Palatine, Illinois, many years ago, although at the time, I was only taking liberal arts courses. I also attended WTC in Mauston and in 2003, started courses in Criminal Justice with the University of Phoenix Online. I plan to finish an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice this year.
- What do you like most about your career? I like almost everything about this field. However, just as all individuals are different and unique, so are their lives and deaths. No investigation is the same and I learn something on every case. The most fulfilling aspect though, is helping people, as they are usually always so thankful for my time and help.
- What do you dislike most about this career? Probably the things I am most uncomfortable with are not having all the answers all of the time and dealing with the media.
- What kind of continuing education do you take if any? I attend as many death investigative training seminars and conventions as I can. These are available through WCMEA or Wisconsin Coroner’s and Medical Examiner’s Association. These opportunities also add to continuing education credits. In addition, there are country-wide courses available, either through the colleges, universities, or private institutions. I take advantage of as many as time will allow.
- What professional licenses are needed for this career? A coroner, by State Statute, only has to have a high-school diploma. But, it will inevitably be mandatory that all coroners/medical examiners that are elected/hired, be ABMDI (American Board of Medico-Legal Death Investigators) certified within 3 years of hire. I am presently pursuing this certification.
- Now that you pursued this career would you go back and change it? The only thing I would change is to learn as much as I could on my own.
- What advice do you have for someone that wants to pursue this career? Learn as much as you can by studying human anatomy, medical terminology, and death investigations. Take some courses as a first responder or EMT. Hone your writing and communication skills.
