How can I use a mediator's certificate?

A question we often hear is, "What kind of job opportunities are there if I become a mediator?"

The short answer is, "Don't give up your day job." Having said that, there are many advantages to becoming a mediator sooner than later.

1. Because mediation is as yet an unregulated field, there are no state boards or orals. Once you complete a Basic Mediation course, you can legitimately call yourself a mediator. Most mediators also take additional coursework in areas in which they want to specialize, e.g., divorce and family, elder, real estate,faith-based, healthcare, business, etc.
2. Many courts are now hiring mediators, though you will need additional course work above the Basic class.
3. Employees in fields such as customer service and human relations become more marketable, because employers recognize you have more advanced skills in conflict resolution.
4. As the population ages, so does the demand for Elder Mediators if this is a niche market you prefer.
5. Job postings for mediators are available on sites such as www.mediate.com and others both in the US and internationally.
6. Attorneys who become trained mediators have a built-in referral stream to their pracitces.
7. If you think outside the box, you can use your mediator training to give community presentations on topics related to conflict resolution, communication skills such as effective listening, peacemaking in neighborhoods and more. This exposure helps educate the public and create some interest in your mediation practice for referrals.
8. To gain post-certificate experience, many community mediation centers or ADR groups welcome volunteers.
9. You can join local, state or national mediation groups to network and learn more about the field.
10. Major media outlets including TV (Fairly Legal), The Washington Post, The New York Times, Kaiser Newsletter, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal and others are helping to publicize mediation by their stories. Free publicity is always a help to local mediators who can parlay national stories into community coverage by your contacting them.

Our 2011 Basic Mediation classes are listed on www.ncsmediation.com. The first course begins March 18-19. Seating is limited to 13, so if you are interested, please register soon.