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Learn negotiation

Learning negotiation techniques might enhance your skills even if you already have a career. Keep reading to learn what negotiation involves and how to choose a training program.

What is negotiation?

Negotiation is the process of communicating with another party to reach an agreement. This often involves making a compromise. Strong negotiation skills may give you a better-than-average chance of reaching an agreement that benefits you or your company.

Business professionals, lawyers, and salespeople use negotiation skills regularly in their careers to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Some people choose to become professional negotiators who prepare and facilitate discussions in professional and business contexts. Specialized courses can give you the necessary skills to excel in this field.

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Choosing the right negotiation program for you

When choosing a negotiation program, consider the following factors:

  • Relevance: It's a good idea to pick a program that uses current negotiation techniques. Explore program curricula and faculty qualifications to ensure your program will deliver the most up-to-date information.
  • Experiential opportunities: Look for negotiation programs that offer real-life opportunities to apply your knowledge.
  • Reputation: Choose a negotiation program with a good reputation. Programs delivered from reputable schools or organizations, or those accredited by the relevant accreditation agency can verify your skills to employers.
  • Flexibility: Select a program that offers the level of flexibility you need. If you are balancing work and schooling, look for a program with adaptable course schedules.

Courses

Taking negotiation courses can give you essential meditation skills that will help you in your professional life. These programs can supplement your skills in your current career or jumpstart a new career in negotiation.

Certifications

A negotiation certification program may provide a wider range of skills and practice opportunities than you'd get in a course. These programs deliver a credential that can boost your résumé and help you stand out in applicant pools.

Executive education programs

Geared toward current executives, these programs can help you hone your negotiation skills to support your current career or help you advance in your field.

Jobs in Negotiation

Here are a few careers you can consider with negotiation education:

Labor relations specialist

Labor relations specialists use negotiation skills to resolve employee disputes and coordinate labor contracts.

  • Required education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023):$89,980
Arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators use their negotiation skills to resolve conflicts outside of a courtroom.

  • Required education: Bachelor’s degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023):$71,540
Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal conflicts and provide counsel. These professional use negotiation skills in dispute resolution and legal analysis.

  • Required education: Juris doctor and pass the bar examination
  • BLS median annual salary (2023):$145,760
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives

Sales representatives sell goods to business and often use negotiation techniques to close deals.

  • Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • BLS median annual salary (2023):$73,080

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    Frequently asked questions

    Why should I learn negotiation?

    Negotiation skills can help you in most professional careers. If disputes arise in your workplace, your negotiation skills may be useful in reaching a resolution. If you want to become an entrepreneur, negotiation skills may help you collaborate with other businesses.

    How long does it take to learn negotiation?

    The amount of time it takes for you to learn negotiation depends on your course of study. If you want to learn the basics, you could enroll in a course, which may last a few weeks. A bachelor's degree can prepare you with more extensive knowledge and may take a few years to complete.

    How hard is it to learn negotiation?

    Negotiation is a relatively easy skill to learn. Courses can offer a quick and direct way to gain this valuable skill. Though, mastery of negotiation comes through practice and real-world experience. Opportunities to practice your skills can help you become a great negotiator.