3 Tips On How To Become An Intercultural Trainer Without Experience

A common question I get asked is, “How can I get into the intercultural training field when I don’t have any experience?”

I hear you. How can people get experience if they’re not given the chance, right?

Well, here are 3 ways you can get into the intercultural field without any prior experience.

1 — Shadow a Trainer

This is one of the best ways to get into the field; however, opportunities are hard to come by. Many trainers are not permitted to have a ‘shadow’ because of client confidentiality agreements. But if you can get the opportunity, jump on it! You’ll be able to learn the content, see how it’s delivered, and have your own private mentor to teach you the ins & outs of the job.

2 — Be a Country Specialist

Intercultural trainers can’t be experts on all countries. That’s where Country Specialists come in. Country Specialists (also called Country Resources) are experts in specific cultures/countries and assist intercultural trainers by talking about life and work in that location. For example, if I am delivering a training in New York for a couple relocating to Cambodia, I would need a Cambodian Country Specialist to help me in the program. Connect with as many intercultural trainers as you can, letting them know you’re available to act as a country specialist for their programs. Also contact intercultural training companies and do the same thing. This is a great way to get your foot in the door. It also enables you to see how a typical training works.

3 — Work at an Intercultural Training Company

There are various jobs you could get at an intercultural training company that would give you experience and get you closer to becoming a trainer yourself. Program manager/coordinator is the most common role. You are the point person and contact for both program attendees, clients, and trainers. You’ll get to learn about the field in no time! Other jobs include content creator, program designer, and manager of the trainer network. Any of these jobs would get you closer to reaching your goal. Some companies offer these jobs on a part-time or consultant basis, so be open to that as well should no full-time positions be available. If you’re an expert in a particular country, reach out to companies asking if they need help creating content for that location.

If you’ve always wanted to get into intercultural training but don’t feel you have the right experience, don’t give up! You can do this!

For more information on becoming an intercultural trainer, contact me at hello@nicolebarile.com or visit me on YouTube.

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Originally published at https://futureofglobalwork.com on May 5, 2020.