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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Government and Public Administration cluster Public Management and Administration pathway.

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Many ombudsmen are former police officers, lawyers and judges. But others come to the job from experience working as volunteers for a variety of organizations, or working in their chosen career and then becoming an ombudsman for that body.

Lisa Carlson, executive director for the Funeral and Memorial Societies of America, agrees. "I think it takes some experience and aging to have a solid footing." However, you can bolster your chances along the way by taking courses in communication skills, mediation and conflict resolution.

"It's a cross between a good understanding of psychology and people, plus the personality to pull it off. A good negotiator is someone who knows how to create a win-win situation," Carlson says.

That mix also requires a certain mental resilience. "You've got to learn not to be combative. You've got to take a non-confrontational, non-adversarial approach in every situation you deal with," says Porter.

Many ombudsmen come from a legal background, serving as judges. Law school is your pathway into the legal profession.

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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