My Experience with CSI (Canadian Spy Institute)
So you have decided to venture into the field of Private Investigation? Are you wondering how to do it? Does your present situation make it impractical for you to attend school on a full time basis? Are you thinking you have been out of school too long now to try and go back ? Well, I was in the same boat about a year ago. Then I found Canadian Spy Institute.
My name is Andi. I am a 35 year old woman residing in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to becoming a student of CSI, I found myself in a "professional rut" For the last 16 years, I have worked as a Photographer. Over the years I explored many different areas of photography in order to keep the "passion" alive. That is, up until 2 years ago when the truth became painstakingly clear. I had fallen out of love with my career and needed to make a change. After much soul searching, I decided to pursue a long time desire of mine. A career in the Private Investigation field. Next hurdle was to figure out just how I was going to do that. The thought of returning to a classroom situation after so many years was, to say the least, a bit daunting. Also, the cost of the courses offered were quite steep, and although I could have possibly applied for a student loan or grant, I still had my normal day to day living expenses to contend with. If I were to attend school full time and only able to work part time, this surely would not be sufficient to cover the bills. That's when I started to research further into the many different correspondence, or home study courses that are available.
I had narrowed my choices down to about 3 or 4 different schools and then went over the information sent to me with a fine tooth comb. I chose Canadian Spy Institute for many reasons. First was the course outline. Where as with many courses, you are obligated to pay for the entire course up front, or by monthly payments. But once you enrol, you are obligated to pay the entire amount regardless of whether you complete the course or not. CSI's P.I course has been split into two separate courses. The Primary Course and The Masters Course. Because the courses are independent of each other, the cost is also divided in two. For me, this was much more economical and with it being significantly lower, I was able to pay up front for the first course and not have to bother with yet another monthly bill. Another advantage is if during or after completing the Primary course, I came to feel that maybe this just isn't for me, there is no obligation to purchase the Masters course.
Also, I preferred the method of testing that CSI uses over that of some of the others. Other schools will have a test after each section but they are all multiple choice, and the questions themselves are taken from direct quotes from your textbook. In my opinion, a perfect score can be obtained far too easily. What hasn't been memorized can simply just flip a few pages back and find. Personally, this style would not leave me feeling confident that I have properly absorbed the material. CSI's approach challenges me. It is not direct quotes from the textbook. You are provided with the information in the textbook, and then asked to apply that knowledge to various situations. Or to create a scenario yourself, which relates to the topic of the chapter.
Although I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Marnie and Ali, (the co-founders and operators of CSI ) in person, (yet) both have been extremely helpful whenever I've had questions. After sending in completed assignments, their response time is swift and always includes additional comments and remarks that are constructive, informative, encouraging, and they are never short on praise for a job well done.
I'm so happy I took the time to research what the different schools had to offer, because I am confident I made the right choice. As my knowledge of the Investigation profession grows, so does my eagerness and excitement of what my future holds.
I cannot say enough good things about the CSI Correspondence Course. The program delivers with structure and impact and equipped me with solid techniques and skills that I applied immediately to my career in Private Investigation. I was personally and professionally inspired by the Primary and Masters Program. The service and support I received from Ali and Marnie was invaluable. Also their willingness to share experiences and examples of private investigation techniques helped me gain a powerful insight into the world of private investigation. The course materials are of the highest quality and most important I understood as a student what they expected from me. I learned to set realistic goals, develop plans for action and had a better understanding of the private investigation industry. I started my own Agency once I completed the CSI program and I have never looked back. As a result I am now in a career that I embrace and highly recommend it to anyone that wants an exciting and rewarding career.
Completing the Canadian Spy Institute Correspondence Course really was, to me, the foot in the door to the Private Investigation Industry. This course offers a very updated and thorough view of what is currently happening in the P.I. world. I could not believe how many different opportunities there are in this field. I got a job two months after I completed the course and I felt that I was prepared to face the challenges that any rookie Private Investigator would face. I would recommend anyone with a desire and ambition to be a P.I. to take this course. I found Marnie and Ali to be extremely helpful and the wealth and knowledge I gained from them was invaluable.
This will be your entry ticket to the world of Private Investigation.
The CSI courses provides the student with excellent fundamental instruction combined with a strong emphasis on the legalities of the Private Investigation industry today. For me it has been a very challenging journey into a unique world where fascinating career opportunities exist. I have learned a tremendous amount from these courses and I would highly recommend them to anyone contemplating a career in the Private Investigation industry.
The structure of the Canadian Spy Institute Correspondence Course is
all encompassing, thus enabling you to learn all aspects of Private
Investigation. This course has equipped me with the right skills to
conduct all types of investigations. I was significantly guided and
helped by the broad range of material that was offered including marketing
which taught me how to get those first cases. What impressed me even
more than the quality of the course was the constant and unconditional
support and advice from Marnie and Ali. I would recommend it
wholeheartedly as a valuable investment to anyone considering a career
change or wishing to further their career in Private Investigation.
My only regret is that I didn't take it sooner.
This Course has given me a real insight into the many areas in which
the expertise of a Private Investigator is used. I wasn't aware of their
importance in such areas as insurance faud, resume checks, process serving,
and their work with the Legal and business communities.
It was always exhilarating to start on a new module, exploring new areas
in the investigation process. Each module was informative and easy to read
and many contained interesting articles as well.
I found the assignments and case studies to be interesting, challenging
and fun to do. Marnie and Ali were always available to guide me through
any problems.
I would definitely recommend this course.
For a number of years I have been interested in the Private Investigation
field. When the time seemed right I made the decision to do something
about it. I read some books on being a P.I. and even though I did learn
a lot from them I still felt it was important to talk to someone. After
talking to some private investigators I realized that there was no way
I could enter the field without formal training. I spent several months
checking out different courses, some correspondence and other class room,
I phoned and interviewed individuals from each course. After talking to
representatives from the different courses I made the decision to take
it through C.S.I™ Correspondence Course.
I have found the course to be extremely informative and soon realized
what I had believed earlier, there is no way a person would know what
you have to by only reading a book. The instructors are only an e-mail
or phone call away and they always take time to answer your questions
or help you with a problem. I e-mail my assignments in and receive them
back marked with helpful comments usually the next day.
Marnie and Ali are the instructors, they are active Private Investigators
who have a wealth of knowledge and are willing to share with their students.
I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is interested in
entering the P.I. field.
