Children usually fall into natural positions within their family and social group. Some instinctively take the role of leader or communicator or healer while others become the trouble maker, the jester, or the peace maker. If you are the person in your family, class, and peer group who is always soothing ruffled feathers and getting people to make up after an altercation, perhaps you should consider a career in conflict management or negotiation.

As the marketplace becomes increasing global, the need for qualified mediators is rising. Diplomats and labor negotiators are no longer the only people exercising dispute resolution skills. Businesses need qualified professionals who can help them negotiate with foreign governments and companies. Large organizations may need assistance mediating with domestic government agencies and community groups. Certain fields seem to be filled with prima dona talents and require conflict management within their own ranks. All of these as well as traditional jobs in diplomacy are open to those with a dispute resolution degree .

Obtaining a masters degree in conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation is the key to landing these prime jobs. A good program is going to provide you with a solid understanding of the psychology and sociology underlying conflicts as well as the ethical, legal, and business considerations involved in successful resolution of disputes. Programs should teach communication skills and strategies and offer practical exercises and hands on experience with real world dispute scenarios.