Some people have a keen interest in the paranormal activities that happen around them or in their neighborhoods. They always wonder how to become a professional paranormal investigator. For some, ghost hunting is a recreational hobby. If paranormal investigator jobs excite you, then you should know a few aspects of ghost hunting. To begin with, you must be well equipped and well versed with technology and the devices used in paranormal investigation.
As a paranormal investigator, you must use proper instruments to collect data. You must use a scientific approach to process your findings and to identify the true source of the phenomenon. Don’t jump to any conclusion. You must possess excellent troubleshooting and critical thinking skills.
Job Description
Once you are approached to investigate any abnormal or strange activity that has occurred, as a paranormal investigator you must collect data from the place of the activity for further analysis. Find evidence of paranormal activity in the haunted place.
You must then carry on with audio and visual analysis to find apparitions. Record the accurate date in a journal in addition to recording the data in your equipment. Refrain from adding speculative comments to your notes. You must separate important details from rumors till you interview the witnesses.
Technology, Sensors & Research Equipment
Over the years, ghost hunters have uncovered some patterns in paranormal investigations including elevated EMF levels, visible apparitions and audible recordings called EVPs. You can’t be sure which environmental factors influence the paranormal phenomena. So there is a set of paranormal investigator tools to measure the environmental variables.
- Accelerometers are used to measure even the most minute vibrations of the objects.
- Video recorders and cameras are used to capture any phenomenon within the human visual range
- Sounder recorders are used to measure EMF effects and Infra-red video cameras are used to measure fluctuation within the infra-red visual range.
- Thermal cameras are used to measure the changes in temperature.
- Magnetometer, X-ray and UV scanners measure magnetic, structure and surface properties of objects that move on their own.
Unlike psychics who infer that a spirit is present or not using their intuitive feelings and predict what kind of emotional energy the spirit emits, the paranormal investigators approach every strange incident without a preconceived notion in mind. A professional paranormal investigator examines the evidence and follows it wherever it leads them to.
[Also Read: Want to Become a Private Investigator – Learn the Steps]
How to Become a Paranormal Investigator in Steps
Step 1: Learn everything related to the subject
Your first step to becoming a paranormal investigator should begin with gaining information about everything related to paranormal investigation. You can research materials related to ghost hunting online, local libraries, or a bookstore.
Note down details like what other investigators do, what types of equipment they use and how did they conclude that there was an entity that is responsible for unusual and strange incidents. You can also know from the experience of other professional paranormal investigators on what they did when the presence of a ghost was confirmed and how they made them go away for good.
Step 2: Join paranormal investigation forums and discussion groups
There are several online forums for you to join to learn the real-life experiences of others. You can get in touch with other ghost hunters. You will get to know about their experience. Enroll in a paranormal investigation course. The course enables you to know more about the paranormal investigation including the types of haunting, equipment needed, and how to carry out the investigation.
Step 3: Invest in ghost hunting equipment
It is difficult for a newcomer to use the equipment used in paranormal investigation. There are different paranormal investigator tools to measure the environmental variables. To start with, have your camera, laptop and night vision equipment so that you can capture any unusual activity that takes place. Science and technology get advanced now and then and so you need to be updated.
Step 4: It’s time for action
Now that you have a theoretical knowledge of what a paranormal investigation is, it is time for you to get some real-world experience. Join an existing paranormal investigation team before you could start your team so that you can try the equipment before buying.
[Also Read: How To do Mutual Fund Investment And Grow Your Finances – Beginners’ Guide]
Paranormal Investigator Certification
Educational Institutions like Thomas Francis University offer Degrees in Paranormal Science/ Parapsychology including Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate in Metaphysical Science so that you can become a Certified Paranormal Investigator (CPI). This degree program is an excellent education choice for students who desire to conduct paranormal research, start and lead a paranormal investigation team, and to write books on paranormal activity.
Paranormal investigators investigate a client’s home, office or historical buildings. They do not charge for their services in case they do it for non-profit organizations, however, some of them get paid for expenses, travel, and accommodation.
Private investigators with the knowledge of paranormal investigation offer fee-based services to their clients. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average annual salary of the private investigators as of May 2009 to be $47,130. Paranormal investigator salary is mostly based on hours and the national rate per hour is between $12.59 and $50.49. (1)
Is this Career for You?
If you are someone interested in paranormal research then becoming a paranormal investigator or ghost hunter can be an exciting career. However, it is not a well-paying profession. As a paranormal investigator, you must deal with a phenomenon that is extremely scary, unpredictable, and hard to understand.
