Philadelphia Court Reporter Requires Listening Skills, Self-Motivation & Focus
Lauren Sweeney is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ater graduating from the Court Reporting Program at Orleans Technical Institute with an associate's degree in Specialized Business in early 2012, Sweeney began her career as a professional court reporter and is currently a freelance reporter and independent contractor for Veritext Legal Solutions in Center City Philadelphia
What sort of education is needed to secure a good job in your field?
"A very thorough and well-rounded specialized Court Reporting program is required - while an associate's degree in specialized business is recommended. A good command of the English language is also helpful for preparing the final transcription."
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
"The work requires concentration, good listening skills, self-motivation, and focus. Having worked in an office environment and communicating daily with vendors and customers, I was confident in my command of the English language; but training my brain to process the information quickly in order to attain the proficiency at 225 words a minute was more of a challenge. The amount of time it takes to attain the level is different for everyone and has to do with your dedication and persistence."
After graduation, how hard was it to transition to the actual working world?
"Orleans Tech prepares you wonderfully as they help place students in a real-world work setting during their last term so that they are immediately ready to enter the profession, which made the transition much easier. Since the career offers so many potential work settings and is an in-demand career, there are many options available. In addition to the job placement assistance, court reporting agencies actively recruit graduates as well. With the area I chose, the transition meant getting used to the difference between working 9 to 5 in an office environment, versus the flexible hours of a freelance court reporter. As a freelance reporter, you are essentially self-employed. A large percentage of your work is done from home and this requires self-discipline and motivation, but also comes with the positive of being able to control your own schedule. Freelance reporting is not the only option, however. If you require more structure, you may opt to work in the court system. Many graduates choose to work as court stenographers for a local jurisdiction which affords a more structured environment and a set schedule and salary."
What are some advanced courses you would suggest that would be beneficial for this type of career?
"The great news is court reporters can find any job anywhere with the specialized CR degree, but additional training can also prepare you for a career in more specialized areas such as broadcast captioning or CART reporting which assists the hard of hearing. For these areas a higher level of speed is necessary, however that level can often be attained through general career experience."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.