| If you are considering a switch in careers | | | | private investigator. |
| and becoming a private investigator now is | | | | |
| the time to make the move. | | | | If you are taking the route of seeking |
| | | | employment with an established P.I. firm, one |
| While the private investigation industry is | | | | way to get your "foot in the door" is to |
| experiencing somewhat of a boom at present, | | | | offer your services on a work experience |
| getting yourself established within it will | | | | basis. |
| still take some time and it's now time for | | | | |
| you to take some action. | | | | While it's not paid work, if accepted, you'll |
| | | | at least get a look at the day-to-day |
| Getting started is difficult simply because | | | | runnings of a private investigation business |
| there is some protocol you must clear before | | | | and when it comes time to seek employment, |
| proceeding such as your eligibility. For | | | | that experience will hold you in good stead. |
| example, you must not have a criminal history | | | | |
| and need to have the proper licensing. | | | | Starting Your Own Business |
| | | | |
| Two Options | | | | Going it alone should be considered only |
| | | | after you have at least a couple of years |
| You can either work for an agency or set up | | | | experience "under your belt." It's tough |
| in business yourself. The former is the most | | | | starting in business and while the ability to |
| logical step if you are completely new to any | | | | earn more money is there, you'll need to |
| type of investigative work. There is a | | | | consider the overhead costs plus getting |
| learning curve you need to overcome so unless | | | | established as two hurdles you need to |
| you have some experience in P.I. work, then | | | | overcome. |
| setting up in business by yourself will be a | | | | |
| little ambitious. | | | | Have a business plan drawn up; this is a |
| | | | vital first step in starting your own P.I. |
| Check with your local college or university | | | | business and until you become firmly |
| and sign up to do a course. While colleges | | | | established, you can cut down overheads by |
| don't have private investigation courses as | | | | working out of your home. |
| part of their curriculum, there are those who | | | | |
| administer courses on behalf of G.E.S. and | | | | The benefits of becoming a private |
| you will need to register at the school. | | | | investigator include not having to stick to a |
| | | | rigid work time schedule but before you |
| The courses are available online and are a | | | | decide to make the leap, consider the whether |
| good way to gain an initial introduction into | | | | it's really what you want to pursue. |
| the industry on your way to becoming a | | | | |