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How do I become an investigator while I'm 13
#Investigator
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Atul’s Answer
Have you heard the expression "crawl before you walk, walk before you run".
You are 13 years old - focus on your study and get good grades. You have plenty of time to decide.
Don't put cart before the horse.
You are 13 years old - focus on your study and get good grades. You have plenty of time to decide.
Don't put cart before the horse.
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Nadia’s Answer
On your free time solve complex problems for friends and family.
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Desiree’s Answer
I think it's great that you are considering your future career path at 13! I'd encourage you to be open to other careers that you may discover along the way, too. Others have said it already, but you might change your mind along the way and that is perfectly okay!
As far as investigations is concerned, I suggest you think about what skills makes a great investigator -- some examples may include curiosity, analytical skills, love of research, problem-solving, powers of observation, but think up your own list, too! -- and try to develop these skills in your own life. Especially the research part, which you can start right now: you can investigate being an investigator!
Consider in what context being an investigator interests you. If it is law enforcement then research further education opportunities in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, etc. If it's tax investigation then research further education opportunities in business, finance, forensic accounting, etc. If it's Investigative journalism look into journalism and English degrees. Use your current investigative skills to figure this out :) Identify what credentials you'll need to be the type of investigator that interests you most!
Next figure out how to get those credentials - is there a college, university or academy that offers the training? If so, what do you need to get admitted. Are there prerequisite courses? What is tuition and are there scholarships?? For instance, to get into the famous U.S. FBI academy at Quantico (seen in so many western movies and TV shows!), you need at least a bachelor's degree (e.g., 4-year undergraduate university degree) and 2 years relevant work experience, among other basic requirements for applicants. I share this only by way of example, but you should research what is needed to follow the path you are charting for yourself. Once you see the road to becoming an investigator, the you can align yourself to it.
Lastly, consider reading biography/true stories (non fiction) about investigators from different types of practice to get some sense of what each involves. There are lots of books out there write about different types of "true crime" and political investigations. Of course, the books will focus only on the exciting parts -- no one wants to publish a boring book! -- but it might give you some idea of the what the profession offers.
Identify skills of a great investigator and develop those in yourself
Research the different types of investigators and the degrees/certifications/credentials required for each
Determine where you can get the requiste degrees/certifications/credentials to become an investigator
Read biographies or true life stories (nonfiction) about investigations that interest you
As far as investigations is concerned, I suggest you think about what skills makes a great investigator -- some examples may include curiosity, analytical skills, love of research, problem-solving, powers of observation, but think up your own list, too! -- and try to develop these skills in your own life. Especially the research part, which you can start right now: you can investigate being an investigator!
Consider in what context being an investigator interests you. If it is law enforcement then research further education opportunities in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, etc. If it's tax investigation then research further education opportunities in business, finance, forensic accounting, etc. If it's Investigative journalism look into journalism and English degrees. Use your current investigative skills to figure this out :) Identify what credentials you'll need to be the type of investigator that interests you most!
Next figure out how to get those credentials - is there a college, university or academy that offers the training? If so, what do you need to get admitted. Are there prerequisite courses? What is tuition and are there scholarships?? For instance, to get into the famous U.S. FBI academy at Quantico (seen in so many western movies and TV shows!), you need at least a bachelor's degree (e.g., 4-year undergraduate university degree) and 2 years relevant work experience, among other basic requirements for applicants. I share this only by way of example, but you should research what is needed to follow the path you are charting for yourself. Once you see the road to becoming an investigator, the you can align yourself to it.
Lastly, consider reading biography/true stories (non fiction) about investigators from different types of practice to get some sense of what each involves. There are lots of books out there write about different types of "true crime" and political investigations. Of course, the books will focus only on the exciting parts -- no one wants to publish a boring book! -- but it might give you some idea of the what the profession offers.
Desiree recommends the following next steps: