Career options are normally "thrown" at us in great quantity during our latter schooling years and for most, making a decision on which career path to choose can often be a stressful time. Nowadays, the choices are wide and varied and if a survey was conducted to determine if you eventually chose your career of choice, I wonder what the proportion of yes answers compared to no's would be. I suspect many would like the option to reconsider.



How many people chose a career simply because of peer pressure? It's not until later in life that we reassess and look for a change. One of the emerging career trends of recent years has been that of a private investigator. Yes, the private investigation business has been with us for a long time but never before has it been considered in such great numbers as an alternative and rewarding career choice.

Did You Know?

You don't require a background in law enforcement to become a private investigator. While it could be helpful, the cold hard fact is that most private investigators today have virtually little or no training in law enforcement. In fact, with the advent of the internet, the private investigation business has been taken to a whole new level. If you don't have a criminal history, then you are eligible.

Some Basic Requirements

While not everyone will be suited to the private investigator profession, attributes such as being able to spend plenty of time on your own in the field coupled with the ability to handle irregular hours are good pre-requisites to the job. Being a little streetwise will stand you in good stead as well as the ability to gather information either via research or surveillance. If you have these qualities then there is every chance you could succeed as a private investigator.

Today's society dictates that the P.I. profession is a necessary commodity rather just an option for former police officers as it once may have been. Crime comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it's insurance fraud, bank fraud, business fraud, illegal online activities and the "old chestnut," infidelity.

Where Do You Start?

Initially, check with your State Department as to the licensing requirements for private investigators. In the US, licensing is required by some states but not others. As far as training is concerned you could get a basic skills course at some schools but these are few and far between. Doing time with an existing firm or established P.I. is usually your best best even if you have a background in law enforcement. On the job training is hard to beat and during your apprenticeship, you will pick up on the ins and outs of the business.

Possessing basic computer skills will be a big plus in your favor. Online investigations have become an integral part of the P.I. business as well as the ability to write reports. Believe it or not, while physical surveillance is an obvious attraction for many would be investigators, truth is that the bulk of your work may be performed in the office or on the computer.

Becoming a private investigator can be a rewarding and satisfying career choice. It can also be financially rewarding given time and experience and your level of committment. Will it become a choice for children at school leaving age? Well, it's something we'll have to continue some surveillance on.