Students studying forensic science has doubled in the last five years in the UK due to the increasing popularity of all the CSI series based in the US.
Unfortunately for these students there just aren't many jobs available for a qualified forensic scientist, so they're basically wasting their time by studying in this field.
Of course it's not likely that many of these students are the brightest bunch to start off with, by basing their future career on American scripts.
University interviewer - What made you want to be a crime scene investigator?
Prospective student - Hot science chicks and cool gadgets.
University interviewer - Damn straight. Welcome to Cambridge.
Of course this isn't a new trend. Back in the 90s there was a rise in people studying medicine due to the popularity of the show "ER". And even more amazing was back in the 80s when people actually considered being lawyers due to the popularity of "LA Law".
School guidance counsellors haven't ever had it so easy.
Little Johnny - I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
Guidance counsellor - What's your favourite TV show.
Little Johnny - Mad Men.
Guidance counsellor - Get a job in advertising.
Little Suzie - I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
Guidance counsellor - What's your favourite TV show.
Little Suzie - Mad Men.
Guidance counsellor - Marry a man in advertising.
Little Peter - I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
Guidance counsellor - What's your favourite TV show.
Little Peter - Glee.
Guidance counsellor - Become a hairdresser.
Little Mary - I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
Guidance counsellor - What's your favourite TV show.
Little Mary - CSI.
Guidance counsellor - Marry a man in forensic science.
Isn't there an opportunity for television companies to do some good in the world? Surely ER helped with that, by making more doctors in the world. Shouldn't there be more shows glamorising professions that benefit mankind.
Maybe they can do a series about how cool it is to clean toilets in public restrooms or maybe show what an enriched life a young wife has, by cooking and cleaning up for her husband while he sleeps with sexy young ladies who don't have STIs, for example.
Of course there's also a down side to glamorising unglamourous careers. Whichever field gets chosen, the market gets flooded by people who want to be like their idols. I work as an accountant and I fear the day when NBC commissions a series about how cool it is to be an accountant.
