We recently connected with Terri Armenta and have shared our conversation below.
Terri , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Risk: turning an education-based program into a privately held company (LLC, sole proprietor). The program, The Forensic Science Academy, which was founded in 1995, as a program through a local 2-year college. The program was very successful in terms of student enrollment, engagement, and career preparation. Students were able to participate in hands-on training in scene management, fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, evidence collection, death investigations, and crime scene investigation.
The program’s success was evident from the start. Enthusiastic students flocked to our classes, eager to get their hands dirty in the world of forensic science. They found not just knowledge but a genuine passion for solving complex crimes and serving justice. Our instructors were not just educators; they were mentors, fostering a deep commitment to the field.
The demand for the program was overwhelming and I recognized an opportunity to take this educational initiative to new heights by turning it into a privately held company. However, this transition was a leap into the unknown, fraught with risks and challenges.
The decision to privatize The Forensic Science Academy meant I needed to secure funding, find a dedicated space, and hire more staff to meet the increasing demand. It was a risky endeavor. I was not just responsible for delivering quality education; I was now managing an entire organization. The success and livelihood of our students and instructors rested on my shoulders.
I had to adapt to the ever-evolving field of forensic science, staying ahead of the latest technologies and techniques. But with every challenge, I learned and grew stronger. My commitment to the program, our students, and the cause of justice kept me moving forward.
Today, as I reflect on the journey of turning The Forensic Science Academy into a thriving, privately held company, I’m filled with immense pride. I have not only succeeded in providing exceptional education but also helped countless individuals realize their dreams of becoming forensic professionals. Our graduates have gone on to make significant contributions in the field, solving real-world crimes and serving their communities.
The risk I took all those years ago was undoubtedly worth it. The Forensic Science Academy has become a beacon of excellence in the field of forensic science education. My story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the unyielding commitment to one’s vision.
Terri , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was at a crossroads, career-wise; was unsure about pursuing pharmacy school or med school. I stumbled upon The Forensic Science Academy during a job fair and was intrigued, and enrolled on the spot.
I thrived in the program, learning the foundation of crime scene investigations, fingerprint identification and classification, death investigations, and photography. I applied to several positions but while attending The Academy, I realized I loved teaching others (my full-time laboratory job required me to train and teach other lab members certain duties).
The Forensic Science Academy provides hands-on training (onsite training). In addition, I started another company, Forensic Training Unlimited, which offers online training. Both programs have the advantage of reaching students near and far, including in different countries.
The Forensic Science Academy is different from other programs in how many hands-on training hours the Academy offers. The program is much needed since many degree programs do not offer the necessary hands-on training hours agencies require for job candidates.
I am proud of all the students who have completed the program. I’m especially elated with students who have secured a forensic-related position OR students who have found their “calling” (outside of the forensic field). Finding one’s passion is so important!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I started using social media for The Forensic Science Academy and Forensic Training Unlimited over 10 years ago. At that time, Facebook was the main media platform. I recognized the importance of using social media to build a business brand. I started following several business-minded “experts” using social media and implemented their strategies to start building awareness of both programs (onsite and online programs).
One of the first things I had to determine was where my “audience” lived. What social media platform did they use? What would they like to see posted? How often did my audience check/post on Facebook? These same questions were asked when Twitter and Instagram became more useful/used by my “audience”. I asked these questions on the registration form for both programs to further create the avatar for my “ideal” student.
I also create popups on the web pages for both programs. Obtaining email addresses is used to notify interested individuals of the monthly newsletter, special announcements, new online courses, and new onsite training modules.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new students is students (for our onsite program) who have successfully completed the program and are now working in the forensic field or from forensic professionals who know about our program and have observed the quality of training we provide.
For our online program, students “find” us via social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://forensicscienceacademy.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terriarmenta
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTU187/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terriarmenta
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forensic187
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyForensicTraining
- Other: https://forensictrainingunlimited.com (online course) https://forensicscienceacademy.org/blog
Image Credits
terri armenta