Now what?! Are you ready to go out and tackle the court reporting world? If not, what are your next steps? And how do you even determine if you ARE ready?
Only you can really know if you're ready - so it's one of those times where you'll need to be brutally honest with yourself. It will be helpful if you have someone you can trust to share with you an honest critique. But don't let fear hold you back. You'll have your first giving the oath, your first transcript, your first readback, your first interpreter deposition/court hearing, the first interruption for clarification... It will feel scary at the beginning but the more you write, well, the more you write (as my mentor says!).
I'm so happy for you. Welcome - and never stop practicing and honing your skill set. This profession can take you amazing places.
You all know I love giving back... and I've been speaking at the local law school for many years now, sharing with the students who will be future litigators how they can work WITH court reporters to create a truly excellent record.
I love doing this - and if you have the chance, please consider doing it in your area. The "baby" lawyers appreciated it and the next generation of court reporters will too!
We all love rituals - girls nights, massages, regular workouts... but what about our working rituals?
Do you have any that ease you into your productivity? Perhaps alleviate any anxiety?
Our job as a stenographer (or captioners) is filled with stressors and if we can develop rituals for ourselves to help limit those stresses, think how healthy, happy, and productive we can become?!
I love this profession... and I love sharing it. Wherever you are, in whatever period in your career you find yourself, be an amazing advocate! Introduce people to this incredible opportunity for someone who loves English, the law, computers, learning... Be the little pebble that creates the ripple in the pond!
