Going Undercover: Why You Should Work for Private Investigators

I’ve had numerous jobs throughout my life but never thought I would land an opportunity to work with private investigators. I began working at a young age at the Juice Shop, a small smoothie store in Winston-Salem, NC. When COVID-19 hit, it put a strain on everyone. Especially small businesses. Spring is the busiest time for Juice Shop, and with customers staying at home and not coming through our doors, I genuinely thought it was a matter of time before we shut down.

Scared of what the pandemic would bring, I scrambled to find a backup job, and I thought babysitting might be my best bet for the summer. I posted on Facebook that I was looking for a babysitting opportunity for the summer, and within five minutes, Leroy Everhart reached out to see if I could work for him during the summer. Me working for detectives? I couldn’t believe how such an exciting opportunity came my way. I felt like I was about to live a real-life version of Criminal Minds.

Getting the real story Picture Provided By: Case-Closed Investigations Website

Working for private investigators is not a typical college student’s job, but I can honestly say the experience changed my perspective in many ways. During my time there, I:

• Talked to current/potential clients and lawyers

• Managed case files

• Scrolled through video footage

• Sorted through case evidence

• Relayed messages to other investigators

A days worth of work and case files Picture provided

by: Wix

Going into this job, I’ll admit I was anxious. A private investigator who spies and reports people is intimidating. But, they are people just like you and me. Even if working for detectives is not part of your plan, it’s an exciting career to explore.

4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Working For Detectives

1. To Gain Empathy For Others

Answering the phone with clients involved in challenging and concerning situations was hard. Most people needing private investigators go through distressing emotional situations that they were not expecting to face.

Hearing people’s stories, comforting them through the phone, and offering confidential support and resources to help them through their situation helped me develop stronger empathy towards others. You never know what someone is dealing with behind closed doors, and I have been more understanding and put myself in other people’s shoes more.

2. To Get A Chance To Explore Other Career Options

Working for private investigators does not align with my marketing career path, and it is

the complete opposite. Even though I plan to pursue marketing, I wouldn’t be opposed to becoming a private investigator myself. The job allows you to form meaningful relationships with others, assist with difficult circumstances, and learn from others.

Uncovering the Truth

Picture provided by: Wix

3. To Become More Alert of Dangerous Situations

Crime is everywhere. People need to be aware of their surroundings and potentially dangerous situations, and the more familiar you are with them, the better you can protect yourself from them. As I went through the evidence and video footage, I saw how sneaky people could be in risky situations, even if not all of them are illegal.

Working for private investigators allows you to learn about other people’s intentions, analyze the psychology and patterns of their behavior, practice working with guns safely and responsibly, and predict when a dangerous situation in public is brewing.

4. To Stand Out On Your Resume

Even if you do not want to pursue a career that would involve legal work or investigation, be open to new opportunities. Even if they do not match your intended career path, whenever I go into an interview and employers see on my resume Case-Closed Investigations, I am always asked about it and pique the employer’s interest more. That’s what you want - to stand out from others.

If you try something new and love it, you have other career options you can explore more in the future. On the other hand, if you try it and hate it, you’ll have a better understanding of your interests and move on to something else.

Inside scoop of working with investigators

Picture provided by: Wix

I think that the most unexpected opportunities are sometimes the most rewarding. I never expected to have the chance to work for detectives, especially at such a young age. Many of us get so wound up in what we think we want for our careers rather than what we want. I know I am guilty of this. But, there is nothing wrong with steering off the path for a little bit to explore another option. I completely sidetracked my career path and broadened my work experience. Working for private investigators is not a typical job, but don’t underestimate it without trying it first.

Life is too short not to try new things, and who knows, you may end up loving it.