Career: Private Detectives
True, it can be dangerous. But one of the best things about being a private eye is the job’s wide range of possibilities. As a private detective, you might be hired to protect a celebrity, spy on a husband accused of cheating, run a background check, or investigate drug use in the workplace.
Other detectives are hired specifically to work in retail stores or hotels, stopping thieves and conducting inspections.
Private detectives use searches, surveillance, and other means to turn up facts.
Did You Know?
- Private detectives deal with some emotional, even explosive, clients. Hot-button issues are their stock-in-trade.
Are You Ready To...?
- Assist clients with legal and personal matters
- Use cameras to conduct surveillance
- Do computer research
- Write reports
- Work irregular hours
It Helps to Be...
Assertive, persistent, and unafraid of confrontation: you’re going to step into some sticky situations as a "gumshoe." You’ll also need to be a good communicator, because you may have to convince a judge or jury of your findings.
Make High School Count
- Become a reporter for the school newspaper. You’ll learn how to gather facts and interview people -- two important skills in detective work.
- Sign up for a computer class. Some detectives spend a lot of time doing computer searches, gathering huge amounts of information on suspects.
- Make the most of research assignments in English, history, and other classes to build library, Internet, and problem-solving skills.
- Do your best in English and speech classes. You’ll need to write and speak accurately and convincingly.
Did You Know?
- In 2002, about one-third of all private detectives were self-employed.
Outlook
Government economists expect job growth for private detectives to be faster than the average for all careers through 2016. The spread of Internet crime and the increasing use of background checks for employees are two reasons that more people might use private detectives.
You’ll face a lot of competition for these jobs. Your best chance of landing a first job is with detective agencies, discount stores, and large chains. Those with skills in computer forensics should find the most jobs.
Compensation
The average yearly salary of private detectives was $42,660 in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But how much you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and what your specialty is. And many private detectives are self-employed, which means that there’s a wide range of income in this line of work.
