Well-trained
diversity trainers compete better in the business because they
have the credentials and the know how to land the profitable contracts.
Their competence increases the likelihood that a company, organization,
or individual will use, extend, and refer others to their service.
You should not call yourself a professional diversity trainer
without proper credentials. A Ph.D. in psychology is insufficient.
A few occasional workshops may help, but a concentrated program
under expert supervision in the early stages of one's career is
critical. The client deserves it. The profession deserves it,
and you deserve it. Being a professional means you have received
proper training and met minimum competency criteria.
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What
qualities do I need to be a successful diversity trainer?
Many people
are not equipped to become a diversity trainer, for a variety
of reasons. It is not certain what characteristics identify the
best diversity trainees. We can safely say from experience that
many existing trainers are ill-prepared due to poor training.
We have experienced this in workshops whiling continuing our own
education. Many trainers use exercises that get participants worked
up around diversity issues, but cannot manage the tension and
anger their workshops generate. The following is a list of qualities
we use in our admissions process at DTUI:
Can
you be a part time diversity trainer?
The answer
is yes. Many diversity trainers have full time jobs in business,
community organization, and educational settings. It is common
for them to conduct workshops or consult two to three times a
month. This is a delightful way to supplement one's salary given
that the pay one receives for diversity training. Others choose
to work with a group of other diversity trainers. They work together
in marketing their business and partnering in workshop development
and delivery. Expanding one's practice requires a marketing strategy,
networking, and putting aside the time to work on it. Individuals
put limits on themselves in diversity training work. The more
you develop your skills and market yourself, the more successful
you will be.
Is
it really possible to make a living as a diversity trainer?
Not everyone
is going to make the six figure salaries like the diversity trainers
working for highly successful companies. However, those with proper
training, certification, and a good marketing plan can develop
a good practice. If you desire a diversity training practice and
run your practice as a business, you can make a living at it.
Where
do you find clients?
One diversity
trainer said that he simply had some brochures made, bought a
mailing list, and received more work than he could handle alone.
This is not true for everyone, but it does suggest that many potential
clients exist. DTUI teaches trainees marketing strategies that
have proven successful for trainers and other professionals. Networking
with friends and family is a good way to find clients. Once they
realize that you have the skills, your name will come up in their
business and organizational meetings where someone will undoubtedly
mention diversity.
Most people
would prefer to hire someone they know or someone an acquaintance
knows in the consulting business. However, nothing beats being
an expert. Find your diversity training specialty, such as conflict
resolution or gender issues, and market it. Give talks and free
demonstrations to attract clients when you first start out. Work
with those who are successful and need expert help as much as
possible. It is also a good strategy to go to conferences where
you give workshops and presentations. Make certain that you attend
the workshop sessions of others at conferences. Take a lot of
business cards. You will meet people and learn a few more tricks
of the trade. Do not let worrying about gathering clients hinder
you from acquiring the skills. Get more information, rather than
let initial fears prevent you from moving forward.
How
long does it take to start a diversity training practice?
You could
realistically have your first couple client in the first three
months after implementing your marketing strategy. It is common
for diversity trainers new to the field to give away some of their
services to either non profit organizations or businesses. This
provides opportunities to develop their skills and build a reputation.
It will take a couple of years to make a diversity business into
a viable full time practice. It may take up to five years to make
a six-figure salary.
If you are
already a consultant and you are adding a diversity training specialty,
it could take you much less time. Some people will develop the
specialty for job-related purposes. Depending on the company's
needs, the individual can become an indispensable resource within
a year of receiving the training. Of course, how successful you
are depend on achieving the DTUI competencies, investing time,
and being motivated to succeed.
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How
Much Education Does One Need to Begin DTUI Training?
Most diversity
trainers have an undergraduate or advanced degree. However, our
experience has shown that amount of education does not relate
to diversity training ability. The most effective trainers are
those with the knowledge, skills, and personal growth needed to
manage diversity. These competencies can be taught to a bright
person high school graduate with a couple of years of work experience.
Your clients will not be buying a degree. They want people with
the credentials to help them solve their diversity-related problems.
One needs to keep in mind, however, that most clients will have
at least one degree.
What
are some problems diversity trainers face?
DTUI trainees
develop the emotional control, insight, intellect, and professional
resolve challenging intercultural conflicts. It is very important
for trainees to work on their personal growth in order to command
the professionalism needed when the audience is volatile. Mandatory
diversity training can challenge the trainer's ability to keep
an audience captive. This is especially true when one or more
participants challenge the trainer's abilities or allegiance.
DTUI training
is superior to others because it offers trainees insights and
skills for maintaining professionalism under a variety of conditions.
Clients will appreciate the DTUI graduate's ability to stay focus,
achieve goals, and receive good evaluations from participants
under adverse conditions. You do not have to choose to work under
such conditions. In fact, they are not for every diversity trainer.
DTUI helps to assess an organization's needs given your talents.
It is likely that participants will challenge the trainer even
with the best of assessment. So, it is pleasing to know that you
will have an opportunity to acquire the skills that will prepare
you to deal with the unexpected.
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