On behalf of the members, welcome to the International Private Investigators Union, on-line forums!
On these forums you can expect to find everything you need to get started in the field of investigations, from academic training and certification, to paid internships, and covert/undercover assignments. In the advanced access levels you can obtain assistance in completing your own cases, locating information resources, guidance to building or growing your business, and get help with obtaining a state license.
If you read the testimonials of other members, you'll see how other members have achieved success here, with the assistance of the IPIU administrators and members. I can personally certify that I have seen many people join, follow the instructions in the internship program, and go on to Internal Investigations, Claims Investigations, Asset Locate Investigations, Asset Verification Investigations, Anti-Piracy Investigations, and many other areas. The members who succeed here are the ones who work hard and put forth the effort to progress with their training.
I'm writing this today because at least some part of your success will come from other members. Some who see your desire to work in a certain area they have experience in, may offer tips and tricks to get you there. Some senior members, or specialists in specific areas of investigation offer mentor-ship to those they see being active on the forums and asking questions.
Mentorship is not a listed benefit of the IPIU because the mentor chooses who they wish to mentor, and who they don't. If when joining you desire to be attractive to mentors, so as to obtain one for yourself, consider these points:
Those who offer Mentorship look for the following attributes:
- Reads instructions given by Administrators thoroughly and follows them.
- Posts questions, no matter how small or stupid the member might think they are.
- Posts their goals in this industry.
Ways to discourage mentors from offering their assistance or input:
- Complain about their assistance.
- Act childish toward an Administrator, mentor, or member.
Mentors and Members alike welcome honest replies, even if you reply that the information was not useful, or you require more detail. We're not asking for new members to brown nose. I merely intend to convey respect is a two way street here.
I wish all of you the best, and hope to see you on the forums, achieving your goals.
John Sanderson - President
Specialized Service Management Inc.
Executive Agency Member of the IPIU