6 Tips On How To Break Into The Intercultural Training Field
A lot of people contact me on LinkedIn asking me how to become an intercultural trainer. I love helping people get into the field, because the more trainers out there the better. We need more interculturalists to help spread the word and help people improve communications with those from around the world! 😊
Here are 6 quick tips to get you started in the field:
1. Connect with Intercultural Trainers on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a great way to meet people who are doing what you want to do. Go ahead and reach out to intercultural trainers that you'd like to meet. Most are more than happy to have a chat and share their advice and experiences. It's a good way to find out what's really involved in being a trainer and learn about the day-to-day things. Grab coffee/tea if you're local, or set up a phone or video chat. By talking to as many trainers as you can, it will help you get a better idea if this is the profession for you. What even is intercultural training? What type of intercultural trainer do you want to be? Do you want to be in academia, the business world, community development...all of it?
2. Do Your Research
Research what you can about the field. This might be by Googling info so you can learn the basics, or perhaps it's following someone's blog, or following trainers and intercultural training companies on social media. Let's say you know you want to get into the field - you want to give it a go... well, how do you start? Research who you should be talking to - what companies, where do you send your resume, who are the people you need to reach? Who are those in charge of hiring trainers at intercultural companies, at universities, etc.?
3. Be Visible
Set yourself apart. The field of intercultural training is growing. There are more trainers than every before. Use social media (LinkedIn is my fave) to set yourself apart. Start writing articles on LinkedIn or on your blog, post often, connect with others in the field. Don't worry if you don't have as much experience as the next person - everyone's story and experiences are unique - use that. If you're experience is a specific area, talk that up.
4. Join Intercultural Groups
There are many different organizations and groups to join in the field of intercultural training and communication. SIETAR is the most well-known group for trainers and consultants. They have chapters in many countries around the world, including local chapters in major cities. There's also Young SIETAR, FIGT (Families in Global Transition), and plenty of Facebook & LinkedIn groups for those looking to learn more about the field and exchange ideas with like-minded folks.
5. Speak
Establish yourself as a subject matter expert or thought leader in the field. A great way to do this is to be a speaker. Offer to be a guest speaker at a university or at a conference. Give your own talks and webinars online. Get in front of a crowds... Many of these gigs wont be paid, but you can showcase your knowledge and get known.
6. Get Certified
Those looking to break into the intercultural field but don't want to go back to school may want to look into getting a certification in intercultural communication. Be careful however, as all certifications are not the same. Some certifications give you the basics, some are train-the-trainer programs, others certify you in a specific methodology or assessment tool. I'll be posting soon about the different types of certifications to help you better decide which is right for you.
For more information on becoming an intercultural trainer or to learn more about the future of global work, contact me at hello@nicolebarile.com or visit me on YouTube.
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