The field of mediation is exciting, and many people are interested in entering it. Unlike other fields, there are no clear paths to a career in mediation. People enter from many different disciplines, for example, urban planning, law, social work, construction, business, etc. There are also numerous sectors in the mediation field such as environmental/public policy, family/divorce, commercial, international, education, community, health, and labor.

Trainings are a good place to start

There are a number of ways to learn about and become trained as a mediator. There are 30-40 hour trainings typically available from private firms or through community mediation programs. These trainings use simulations to provide trainees with opportunities to develop their skills. One private organization that offers such courses is Mediation Works, Inc.

Many communities have community mediation programs, something akin to neighborhood justice centers. These organizations typically provide training to individuals who then serve as volunteer mediators in their programs. Contact the National Association for Community Mediation to see if there is a community mediation program in your area.

University coursework provides theoretical foundation

There are also semester-long courses available. I taught at the Program On Negotiation, associated with Harvard University, which offers negotiation and mediation seminars that are open to participants from all disciplines and professional fields.

Many colleges and universities have courses available. In addition, there are a number of graduate programs in dispute resolution, for example the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution and George Mason University Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. If you are interested in environmental or public policy mediation, degrees in planning or public administration at institutions with negotiation and conflict resolution classes are available. In Massachusetts, there is the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. There are also mediation classes at many law schools. Look at the academic programs listed at http://www.mediate.com/training/ though this is not an exhaustive list as there is a fee for listing.

Experience is key

In seeking a career in mediation, experience counts. It is very important to get real mediation experience beyond initial training. Historically, there has always been more people interested in being mediators than the market will bear. It makes sense to get as much direct or related experience as possible, to start building a track record and reputation.

Many training programs have the added benefit of providing opportunities to mediate community or small claims court cases. I recommend seeking out those trainings that can provide such opportunities. Similarly, look for degree-granting programs that offer internships.

A good way to develop your skills and reputation as a mediator is to apprentice with a mediator who is well-known and well-established. Few mediators can train more than one person at a time in this capacity, so it will take some effort to find this type of arrangement.

Build on your subject-area expertise

In starting a career in mediation, it is important to try to build on your existing skills. For example, if you are a social worker, look to start in family mediation and then attempt to branch out to other sectors. A lawyer can begin with court-annexed programs, a planner with development, and a doctor with health care.

If you are having difficulty finding work in a mediation field, you might consider working in a related field. If you're in a position to bring people or organizations together, you can practice many of the skills that you will need to draw upon when later seeking mediation positions.

Network through professional organizations

The professional organization of mediators is called the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR). ACR has chapters around the globe.  Another is the Dispute Resolution Section of the American Bar Association.

Learn more about what type of mediation interests you

If you are looking for some books to get started, begin with Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury

Others to look at are:
Mediation by Christopher Moore
When Talk Works by Debbie Kolb
Breaking the Impasse by Lawrence Susskind
Environmental Dispute Resolution by Lawrence Bacow and Michael Wheeler
Consensus Building Handbook edited by Lawrence Susskind
The Third Side by William Ury

There are also numerous journals, most importantly, The Negotiation Journal, available through the Program On Negotiation at Harvard Law School or directly from Blackwell Publishing.

Persistence is a key feature of a mediation career

The most important thing about building a career in the field of mediation is that you have to really want it. There are many people seeking few spots, but if you really want it, it is possible. Get yourself trained, identify overlays between your current skills and the kinds of mediation that will be most accessible to you, and then begin the process of networking and seeking a mentor. It's possible to make it happen, but expect to have to be very persistent.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Susan Podziba

For more information, try the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School's Series on Building a Career in Conflict Resolution.