Things You'll Need:
- Internet Access
- Computers
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Step 1
Understand that the detective novel "gumshoe" is self-employed, without benefits, and often without a regular income.
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Step 2
Get in touch with several private investigators in your area to get an idea about the volume of their work.
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Step 3
Interview owners of local detective schools you would consider attending. Ask them for a range of hourly rates charged by private investigators in your area. Also ask for a list of companies that employ the school's graduates.
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Step 4
Contact larger law firms and insurance companies to see if they have full-time investigators on their staff. Those individuals receive a regular salary and benefits.
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Step 5
Read career books about today's private investigators and about investigative work that is increasingly done via computer.











