With many new private investigation firms popping up from coast to coast, more people than ever before are exploring careers in this growing industry.

It’s a great career choice for many, however, it’s certainly not for everyone. But if you have the proper mindset, good training and a willingness to put in the hours, becoming a private investigator can lead to a long and often lucrative career.

And while it’s certainly possible that with the right training and desire anyone can become a great investigator, there are specific career fields that consistently turn out excellent new recruits for the private investigation industry.

Let’s look at a few…

Law Enforcement

Hands down, this is where the overwhelming majority of professional private investigators come from. And they make the transition to the industry at many different points in their careers.”We only hire ex law enforcement” says Matt Garcia, Lead Investigator for ACES Tampa Private Investigations, “they tend to be more reliable and take the job seriously”.

Many former police officers will transition to private investigation after putting in enough years on the job to earn a pension. They retire but aren’t exactly ready to sit on the front porch watching the world go by.

So they turn to private investigation. And after a long career in law enforcement, it’s a pretty easy transition most of the time.

Some former officers also leave the force to open their own private investigative firms, after years of cultivating contacts in the community.

Whatever the reason, those with a background in law enforcement are the largest group of individuals making the transition into private investigation.

Former Military

There are of course many different disciplines that make up careers in the military, but former soldiers, airmen, seamen, and Marines almost always leave their posts with an incredible amount of instilled discipline and dedication to their chosen fields.

That mindset can certainly lead to a career in private investigation, and those with a background in the military make up a good percentage of investigators in the United States.

So if you served in the United States military and are interested in transitioning to private investigation, chances are pretty good that you have “the right stuff.”

Intelligence Officers

These are generally individuals who have a background in surveillance, which is and always will be a big part of a private investigator’s job.

An intelligence officer’s workday often involves duties like gathering leads, cultivating informants, eavesdropping, and performing other forms of covert activities.

In every case, it’s a perfect fit for the private investigation industry.

Cybercrime Officials

A popular profession of the 21st century, individuals with a background dealing in white collar cybercrimes make pretty damn good private investigators.

These are generally tech-savvy professionals who specialize in investigating online crimes, which are more and more prevalent with each passing year.

These crimes are many, ranging from identity theft to illegal scams and the creation of fake social media profiles, among several others.

If you have the ability to track down individuals and criminal activity online, then a job in the world of private investigation is certainly a good fit for you.

Become a Private Investigator Today

If you have the desire and the background to be a private investigator, a good place to start is by checking in with the appropriate office in your state.

Learn what training and certifications are required for you to make the transition to private investigation and then get started.

The industry isn’t for everyone. But for the right people, it can be a great career choice.