Private Investigator Internships: Your Path to a Career in Investigations

The private investigator industry can be difficult to break into, especially without prior law enforcement experience. While training programs specific to private investigations exist, their value to prospective employers can be questionable. A private investigator internship offers a solution: comprehensive training and skill development, all while earning a wage.

Are you interested in a career as a private investigator but struggling to gain relevant experience and training? A private investigator internship can be an excellent entry point into the field.

The Value of Internships

In most states, a license is required to perform investigative services as a private investigator. Those with backgrounds in law enforcement or the military may already possess the necessary experience and education to obtain a license immediately. However, for those without such experience, securing a job as a private investigator can be challenging, as most agencies prioritize candidates with experience and/or a current license. A private investigator internship with a respected detective agency offers a solution, providing the necessary experience and potential for licensure.

What Private Investigators Do

Private detectives and investigators gather, analyze, and report information to clients concerning legal or personal matters. They offer a range of services for individuals, attorneys, and businesses, including:

Performing background checks
Investigating suspected workplace theft
Proving or disproving infidelity in divorce cases
Locating missing persons (skip tracing)
Preventing shoplifting or theft (store detectives/loss prevention associates)

Their work involves conducting research, such as obtaining and analyzing telephone numbers, social networks, online activities, and court records. They also conduct surveillance as part of their investigations.

Work Environment

Private detectives’ and investigators’ work settings depend on their assignment or case. Some spend time in offices researching cases, while others work in the field conducting surveillance. Many private detectives and investigators spend time away from their desks while conducting surveillance in the field. Most work full time.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Private detectives and investigators must obey the law when conducting investigations. Lacking police authority, they are held to the same standards of conduct as private citizens. A thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws, including privacy laws, is crucial.

Essential Skills and Qualities

The following qualities are essential for success as a private investigator:

Attention to detail: Meticulously collect and document evidence for potential use in court.
Communication skills: Listen carefully and ask appropriate questions when interviewing individuals.
Decision-making skills: Analyze information and make sound judgments.
Inquisitiveness: Tenaciously pursue questions and search for the truth.
Patience: Endure long periods of surveillance while awaiting events to unfold.
Problem-solving skills: Develop effective strategies to resolve complex issues.

Education and Training

Private detectives and investigators typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent and several years of related work experience. Some employers prefer candidates with a college degree. Education requirements vary. Some employers require a high school diploma or the equivalent, while others require a bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience includes work in law enforcement, the military, or federal intelligence. Additional training often depends on the specific position, such as conducting remote surveillance, reconstructing accident scenes, or investigating fraud.

Licensing

Most states require private detectives and investigators to be licensed. Age, experience, and other licensing requirements vary by state and locality.

Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual wage for private detectives and investigators was $52,370 in May 2024. Many job openings are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire. Continued lawsuits, fraud, crimes, and interpersonal mistrust are projected to drive demand for investigative services.

Internship Opportunities: A Closer Look

Several organizations offer private investigator internship programs. These programs provide hands-on experience and training in various aspects of investigation.

Nathans Investigations: A Florida-Based Example

Nathans Investigations offers year-round student internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Interns engage in authentic investigative work, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The program provides a diverse and distinctive experience that serves as a solid foundation for future careers in criminal justice.

The Florida Private Investigator Internship program at Nathans Investigations provides hands-on experience for students seeking licensure or careers in criminal justice. Interns can participate in the following units:

Background Investigations Unit: Perform detailed background checks for jobs and legal cases.
Field Operations Unit: Participate in fieldwork, including surveillance, evidence collection, and site visits.
Specialized Operations Unit: Handle complex cases such as undercover work and financial fraud.

The internship is unpaid, but students may earn college credits. Interns typically work around 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with shifts available during the day, afternoon, or evening.

Read also: Private School Affordability

Requirements for Nathans Investigations Internship:

Be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major and 2.7 overall for undergraduates.
Be upper-level students.

Florida Private Investigator "CC" (Intern) License Class

The Private Investigator "CC" (Intern) License class is offered in accordance with Chapter 493, Florida Statutes. All study material, handouts, and associated instructional material will be provided. The course is an in-person course, from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily, for a total of 5 days over 2 weekends - Friday, Saturday, & Sunday (Part I) and the following Saturday & Sunday (Part II). State licensure expectations require 90% attendance. As a 40-hour total course, a student may not miss more than 4 total hours of instruction for any reason. Any student accruing more than 4 hours of absence will be dropped and must re-take the full course. The course is offered four times a year. All students must provide confirmation of Florida residency to pay the In-State rate for courses.

Similar Occupations

Private detectives and investigators have duties that may be similar to those of workers in other occupations. For example, insurance investigators evaluate claims in which an insurance company suspects fraudulent or criminal activity. Detectives and criminal investigators gather evidence related to illegal activity. Police officers protect lives and property.

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