Careers in Dispute Resolution

Many people consider a career in dispute resolution. It can be exciting, fulfilling, and, like many new professions, a difficult one in which to establish yourself and earn a living.  But there is as yet no clear career path, no specific educational background required, and no licensing in any state for mediators, arbitrators, or other types of dispute resolution practitioners.  Before you decide to give up your day job, you should talk with people in the field and do your homework. 
 
You may decide that you want to be trained as a mediator to use your skills in your present career or position. Or you may decide that you want to explore mediation as a separate career. In either case, the first step is to take training. 

Please note that the following information concerns the practice of mediation in the United States. In other countries, requirements may differ significantly.

Mediation: Types of Training

General Basic Training: The national standard in the U.S. for basic mediation training is a 40-hour course incorporating skills, theory, and practice through the use of role-play exercises.  Although some states, courts, and programs allow for shorter courses, the national standard has moved toward a 40-hour minimum.

Basic Training in a Specific Area of Practice:  Divorce and Family Mediation, for example, requires specialized training and many basic training programs have been developed just for training people to practice in this area.  These courses are also generally 40-hours.  Some programs offer a basic training plus advanced training in specific areas of practice.

Advanced:  Following basic training, advanced training in substantive knowledge areas, skills, and practice to improve your abilities as a mediator is essential.  Continuing education is often a requirement if you become part of a program.

Advanced Mediation Skills Seminars are offered by OptionBridge and its Principals.  We are committed to providing the highest quality training available in the field of dispute resolution.
 
Selecting a Mediation Training Program
 
OptionBridge principal Diane Levin has written extensively about mediation training and what to look for when choosing a training program. You can read an article she posted on her weblog, Online Guide to Mediation, "What to Look for in a Basic Mediation Training" for further information .
 
Next Steps After Basic Training
 
1.  Get Experience
 
After your initial training, it's very important to gain some real-world mediation experience.  This will generally be as a volunteer.  Because there are always more people who want to be mediators than there are opportunities for newly trained people to provide services, volunteering may be difficult.  Your trainers should be able to provide you with information about how to find opportunities.  Networking is one of the best ways of finding opportunities.
 
2.  Continue Training
 
Attend conferences, take additional training and hone your skills. This is essential in order to be considered for many paying positions and rosters and will help you in your pursuits.
 
3.  Network
 
Join local, regional, and/or national associations of conflict resolution.  Opportunities for both volunteer and paying jobs most often come through networking. 
 
4.  Build On Your Existing Skills and Experience
 
Begin by staying close to what you know.  Social workers, for example, have a better chance of working in the area of family and divorce mediation than they do in environmental disputes.  A physician may do well in seeking out health care related issue to mediate, while a litigator may wish to mediate litigated cases with a court program.
 
5.  Establish Realistic Expectations
 
Most people who take mediation training find the skills invaluable in everyday life and in their jobs.  Most people who complete mediation training never earn a dollar from mediation.  Only those who are persistent, talented, are willing to take risks, treat mediation as a business (which it is), market, and who have realistic expectations, are able to make a go of it.  Some mediators earn a part of their living by mediating but earn the bulk of their income by doing something else, such as being a lawyer, therapist, accountant, financial advisor, for example.