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Live a Life of Mystery and Intrigue with a Career as a Private Investigator

The Life of a PI
Are you a quick-thinking and persistent individual who craves a life of risk and intrigue? Do you have experience in insurance, security, law, military, or government intelligence? If so, the proud ranks of private investigators need you! Begin training, and parlay your skills and experience into an exciting career. Private investigators are real-life mystery solvers, using all kinds of means at their disposal--computer files, arrest records, video surveillance, and interviews--to connect clues and solve cases. Their clients range from businesses to individuals, and duties run the gamut from loss prevention to premarital screening. If this sounds like the career path for you, read on to find out what it takes to become a successful PI.

Educational Requirements
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that many private investigators have previous experience in other, related occupations. Most have also completed some level of education, with bachelor's degrees being the most commonly achieved. Typical educational specializations for PIs include:
  • Political science
  • Business
  • Law
  • Criminal justice
  • Finance
  • Computer Science
  • Accounting
Computer forensic investigators now constitute the fastest-growing branch of PIs, and several colleges offer bachelor's and master's degrees in this speciality. Most states require private investigators to obtain a license before offering their services to the public.

Job Outlook & Salary Information
Employment growth for private investigators should be favorable throughout the coming years. It's a competitive field, but job opportunities are most abundant in detective agencies, large retail stores, and in the area of computer forensics. 2008 BLS earnings reports find that private investigators earn a mean annual wage of $46,480.
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