You have decided that you want to become a private investigator. You have done the research, and you know what you need to do. But how do you get started? There are many people who want to be private investigators, but only a few make it through the process. Here are some tips that will help you get started on your way to becoming a private investigator.

Find what your specialty will be.

The first step to becoming a private investigator is finding what your specialty will be.

• Do you have an interest in law enforcement?
  If so, working for a police department or other law enforcement agency is a great option. You won't have to start from scratch and work your way up to being a detective, but instead can go straight into the field of criminal investigation and collection of evidence.
• Are you more interested in corporate investigations
  If so, then joining a private investigation agency might be the best route for you. This way, you'll get hands-on experience right away with cases that are similar to what you'll see when working as a PI.
• What skills do you have?
  Do you have computer skills? Are you good at talking with people and getting them to open up about something they may not want to talk about? These are all valuable assets that an investigator can bring to the table, so find out if they fit with what type of work you want to do as an investigator.

Get proper training.

There are many schools that offer P.I. courses, but you should choose one that provides quality training and does not charge too much for it. It is important to remember that this field requires specific knowledge and skills, so make sure the school teaches them well.

Complete internships.

A good way to get started is by completing internships at local law enforcement agencies and private detective agencies. This will give you hands-on real-world experience that can help make your resume stand out when applying for jobs later on.

Attend seminars and workshops.

Look for opportunities at local colleges, community centers or even online classes on how to become a private investigator. These types of courses will teach you about the investigative process, legal aspects of being an investigator, as well as tips on how to conduct interviews and gather evidence.

Read books about the field.

There are many books available on this subject that will help give you an inside look at what it's like to become a private investigator or PI firm owner. These resources will also provide information on how to run your own business once you've completed your training program or certification process

Get licensed and certified.

You'll need to pass the required licensing exams before becoming certified in your state. In some states, you'll also need to be fingerprinted and pass a background check before you can work as an investigator.

Get experience working for others first if you can.

A good way to learn what it takes to be an investigator is by working for someone else first — especially if they're local and can give you hands-on experience while still giving them their full attention when they're not busy with another case. This will help you figure out whether or not this career is right for you, and it will give you insight into what's involved in being an investigator all day long (i.e., how much time goes into each investigation).

Gather the right skills and experience.

You'll need to know how to use technology, such as GPS devices, video cameras and drones, as well as software programs like Google Earth, Microsoft Word and Excel. You'll also need to have an understanding of laws related to privacy issues so that you can ensure you're following all legal procedures when conducting investigations.

Conclusion

If you want to become a private investigator, you'll have to take the initiative. Many people dream of being a private eye but they never actually do anything about it because they can't find the information they need to get started. Don't let this happen to you! Browse through our article for more information about how to become a private eye.