Helping people face and resolve conflict is satisfying work. This is what draws so many people to the mediation field. Consequently I often receive emails and phone calls from people interested in becoming mediators. Because of these conversations, I have written a series of articles which

• describe the training necessary to prepare for a career in mediation
• discuss credentialing and certification, and
• suggest steps to successfully transition from training and education to a conflict resolution career.

Please click on the following links (outside this site) to learn more:

• What to look for in a basic mediation training
• How to become a mediator: five frequently asked questions about training and careers
• Mediation certification and credentialing: getting accurate information
• Preparing mediators for practice: mediation training or mediation education?
• Too many mediators, not enough mediations: is it fair to keep training neutrals with career prospects so grim?
• Mediation career myth-busting: 5 urban legends it’s time to debunk

I also recommend that you read Making Mediation Your Day Job: How to Market Your ADR Business Using Mediation Principles You Already Know, published by internationally respected ADR professional and educator Dr. Tammy Lenski.

If you have specific questions about becoming a mediator in your geographic location…

I practice in the U.S. If you want information on how to become a mediator elsewhere in the world, the best place to find it is to contact mediators in that country to learn about requirements for practice, as well as information about the market there for ADR services.

I practice in Massachusetts. If you want specific, detailed advice about practicing in some other state, I strongly urge you to get in touch with mediators in your area to find out what training, education, or other requirements would be necessary for you to succeed as a mediator there. Find professional membership organizations for mediators; they can be a good resource. Alternatively, visit the web site for the Association for Conflict Resolution where you can locate the regional chapter for your area. Other recommended web sites to visit include those for the Southern California Mediation Association and the New York State Dispute Resolution Association.

If you’re having trouble finding someone to help you, let me know. I have contacts all over the U.S. and throughout the world. I’d be happy to help however I can.

If you are a recent graduate seeking mediation career advice or have just completed a mediation training…

Have you sought the advice and help of the career services office of your graduating institution? What about your professors? They should all be your starting point. If you haven’t done so already, get in touch with them and ask them for their advice. They’re there to help you.

Ditto for the organization that just trained you, if you have just completed a mediation training program. IMHO, any program worth its salt should be ready to answer your questions, be knowledgeable about issues involving careers in mediation, be prepared to help you take the next steps to continue your training and education as a mediator, and connect you with experienced mentors who can help you develop the capacity to mediate competently. (This is why I cannot emphasize enough the importance of thoroughly vetting any mediation training program before you invest your time and money. Too many training programs are happy to take your money and then send you on your way.)

If you are contemplating a degree program in dispute resolution and have questions about careers in that field…

Contact the career services office of that degree-granting institution. Ask them what their alumni are currently doing and what percentage have full-time employment in the field. Find out what kind of placement support will be available. Contact the faculty as well to ask for their views. If possible, request informational interviews with alumni to ask what they think and what advice they might give.  I can’t tell you whether getting a degree in dispute resolution or some other field makes sense for you; you might want to work with a career coach who can help you with those kinds of choices.

Please note that I am a mediator practicing in the U.S.  While mediators around the world share similar theories and standards of practice along with ethical rules, the articles listed above contain information regarding mediation practice in the U.S. only.

Let me know if you have additional questions after you have read these articles. And thanks kindly for visiting.