When choosing conflict resolution courses, it is important to keep in mind your primary goal in taking the course. If you are taking conflict resolution courses to meet professional licensing or credentialing requirements, you want to make sure that your employer or any licensing or credentialing bodies will recognize the courses that you take. In addition to making sure that your courses meet your professional needs, you may wish to consider the credentials of the instructors and the orientation of the school or course provider. Finally, you should ensure that you can afford both the time, and the money, to complete your course selections.
There are several different types of conflict resolution courses available, and each course may specifically address certain needs as well as different types of conflict. In some places, it is possible to receive conflict resolution training in the form of continuing education courses, certification programs or as part of a full-fledged academic degree program. What is best for you depends significantly on your professional and personal needs. For example, if you are taking conflict resolution courses because you wish to put your knowledge to use within personal relationships or organizations in which you volunteer, you may find that continuing education courses or weekend seminars are cost-effective and provide you with the knowledge that you need.
On the other hand, if you are completing conflict resolution courses because you wish to work as a divorce mediator you may be restricted to taking certain courses by the laws or courthouse policies in the area where you live. Similarly, if you are a mental health professional or social services worker, there may be conflict resolution courses available that are designed for somebody with your professional background. If you plan to enter the area of political diplomacy, you may be expected to complete a postgraduate degree in conflict resolution. Finally, some conflict mediators decide to work in specialized areas such as business partnerships or within religious organizations. If you want to work in one of these narrow areas, the conflict resolution courses that you take should likewise prepare you for the issues that you will encounter in the course of your work.
Whenever you begin an educational endeavor, it is important to select classes that are easy for you to attend and that you can afford. If your current employer is unwilling to reimburse you for the cost of taking conflict resolution courses, you should look for courses that are affordable and consider whether you can get some kind of a tax break for taking the course. You should also find out when the courses are scheduled — some may be offered online, while others may require you to attend classroom sessions. Both methods of instruction have their advantages, but it is important that you select the method that will cause you the least stress and that will enable you to learn effectively.
