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