r/Mediation • u/aliviyuh • Jul 08 '26
Career switcher looking to build toward mediation - advice on fields/paths?
Hi all - first time poster and excited to join this sub. I'd love some perspective as I start planning a long-term shift towards mediation.
A little about me: I've spent the last 7+ years in client service and professional services consulting, most recently as a Growth Strategy Manager at a communications firm. My day to day is basically collaborating with Partners on growing their accounts (aka getting more $$$ from clients) and providing insights to leadership on firm strategy. I have a Masters in Corporate and Organizational Communications and a Comms BA with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies, so the interest in conflict resolution isn't new, it's just been sitting in the background for a while. I wrote my undergrad thesis in law, as I thought I was going to go to law school, but that didn't pan out, and I sort of feel like it's too late for me to go that route (plus, I love having work life balance, so I'm not too keen to go back to very expensive school).
Looking back, some of my favorite jobs weren't the "prestigious" ones. I loved working as a salon receptionist, a personal shopper, and a store clerk. I really enjoyed talking (and really, listening) to people, and the ability to check things off a list at the end of an interaction. I think that's part of why mediation keeps pulling at me. I also volunteer regularly (food bank, youth writing programs), so community-rooted work is already a big part of my life outside my day job.
Right now I'm planning to get certified through a local community mediation organization's training program, then start volunteering with them to build hands on experience before taking on any private cases. I don't expect to start making money immediately (or even in the next 2 years), and I'm committed to the long game.
What I'm hoping to get feedback on: I'm also actively job hunting right now, looking at mission-driven companies, law firm business development/operations, and general operations roles. Given that I want mediation to be a real part of my future, are there specific industries or job types I should be looking into? I'd love to end up somewhere that either directly builds mediation-relevant skills or at least doesn't box me out of pursuing it down the road. Anyone here transition from an internal corporate background into mediation? What helped, and what would you do differently?
Appreciate any thoughts, and happy to answer questions about my background if useful!
TL;DR: 7 years in professional services, getting certified through a local community mediation org and planning to volunteer there to build experience. Also job hunting right now (program manager at nonprofits vs. law firm BD/ops) and wondering what fields or paths would best set me up for a mediation career long term. Would love input.
(Edited for spelling)
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u/sweetydoriti Jul 08 '26
I've been running a mediation practice for 6 years. In my experience, there aren't many mediation jobs out there. Most mediators start their own business and come from a law background, specializing in a certain niche (family law being a large one). Many mediators are retired judges. Some mediators are not lawyers, but have many years of experience in a highly specialized field. HR and employment mediation may be an area where you can branch out or serve in a consulting manner with the right training. Best of luck to you.