Mediation & Conflict Management

Careers

Areas where Woodbury graduates have applied their skills:

  • Community Dispute Resolution Centers
  • Community Justice Centers
  • Victim-Offender Mediation Projects
  • Attorneys' offices conducting mediations
  • Private mediation businesses
  • Private consulting businesses
  • Human resources departments
  • Community relations office of the Public Service Board
  • American Friends Service Committee (Quakers)
  • Medical Ombudsman Program
  • Easter Seals Mediation Project
  • Family Center Visitation Program
  • Small-Claims Court Mediation Program
  • School Peer-Mediation Project
  • Mediation for Department of Social Services

Nationally, employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many people try to avoid litigation, which can involve lengthy delays, high costs, unwanted publicity, and ill will. Mediation and other alternative processes to litigation usually are faster, less expensive, and more conclusive, spurring demand for the services of those skilled in conflict resolution techniques.

New opportunities are emerging, including programs and needs in courts, corporations, community justice centers, nonprofits, and schools. Woodbury graduates are in private practice in areas including family, divorce, construction, environmental, workplace, church conflict, etc.

However, those considering careers in this field should be cautious; conflict management is a developing occupation, and most conflict managers and mediators work independently as consultants or in private practice. Entrepreneurial skills are crucial to the success of most mediation practices.

What our graduates say

"Woodbury prepared me beautifully for the mediation work I'm doing now."
~ Prudence Fisher

"It was exactly what I needed for my career change. Woodbury gave me the tools and confidence to become a mediator."
~ Christine Packard

"Woodbury changes lives."
~ Heather McKeown

"While my degree in conservation and management prepared me well for managing resources, I was not prepared for the interactions I would have with others in this issue laden field. The Mediation Program gave me the skills to hold constructive dialogues between people who are equally passionate about the environment but for differing reasons. Now that I view conflict as an opportunity to learn about other people's experiences, I look forward to bringing diverse perspectives to the same table."
~ Alison McGinn