Tips to Become a Mediator
Thinking of becoming a mediator? Resolving disputes can be a rewarding career! However, it might not be suitable for everyone. The most crucial step to becoming a mediator is understanding the job requirements. These Tips to Become a Mediator will help you decide whether or not this is the right career path for you.
The role of the Mediator is to properly guide the parties and ensure that they reach an amicable agreement. It is not the job of a Mediator to judge who is right and who is wrong nor can a Mediator give any legal advice. Rather, the Mediator tries to arrange for communication between the parties who are having a difficult time doing it themselves.
The roles of the Mediator are listed below:
- Conducting meetings with the disputants;
- Using specific techniques to encourage communication and a settlement between the disputants;
- Interviewing the agents, witnesses, and claimants to get information about the disputed issue; and
- Making decisions to solve the disputes.
To Become a Mediator, Follow the Steps Below:
Decide on the area in which you want to practice Mediation
As a mediator, there are different areas you can specialize in to solve the issues. Each area of specialization has its network, culture, and processes. You need to research and learn about each field as you develop a career path. You might also leverage your professional experience when you start your career as a specialized Mediator. Some of the most popular areas of specialization include:
- Business
- Commercial
- Adoption
- Civil
- Employment
Consider a Bachelor’s Degree as a Mediator
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, people interested in choosing the career of a Mediator should have an Educational Degree to enter the career field. Interested individuals do not have to have a degree focusing on Mediation, Conflict Resolution, or Arbitration but, rather, the field in which they wish to specialize in. The skills needed to be a successful Mediator are learned through experience and specialized training in addition to a formal education.
You can opt for a Law or Graduate School
Indeed, you don’t need to have a Postgraduate degree to become a Mediator, but these schools may help you master specific skills that will help you in your profession. Furthering your education and keeping up-to-date on your specialized field can make you an even more appealing and valuable Mediator. You will expand your clientele and boost your business above the competition.
Pursue a course in Mediation and get Certified
According to the BLS, some states require certification to become a Mediator. Most of the states do not have any certification requirements for private Mediators. However, the court-certified Mediators do have specific needs that vary both by state and court level. These Mediator trainings are mostly 20 to 40 hours long.
You can start your practice or even join a DRC
Once you have all the skills required to become a Mediator and have the necessary confidence, you can start your private practice. If you want, you can also join a Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) in your locality or even join the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. These groups will provide you with the necessary experience, credibility, and networking opportunities. Even if you’re going to open your own firm one day, joining a DRC or the ADR now will be a great way to build your experience and start your career!
If you plan to become a Mediator, it is an excellent option to talk to the Mediators in your area. You can gain valuable firsthand knowledge about the profession this way. Ask them for advice about how you can become a good Mediator. You might also get a chance to sit during a few of their mediations, though that would require confidentiality and permission of the parties involved in the dispute.
If you are interested in becoming a Mediator, don’t hesitate! Explore the many fields of Mediation and find which area suits you. Consider pursuing a degree or a certification to get started and reach out to centers and professionals near you. The field of Mediation is ever growing and in search of skilled individuals. Use these tips to become a Mediator and start your new career today!
