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Comment by Todd Olivas
11/9/2007 |
Dear Debbie:
Great question. You’re not the only one who has had a relapse of the steno bug after a “long” absence. I’ve met many working reporters who perhaps got licensed and then subsequently “retired” to have children and/or different careers. I am not a scientist but I believe the skill is still in you — even after lying dormant for awhile. The muscle memory will have to be refreshed of course. You can do that by heading back to school. I know many schools will allow you to sit in on dictation without paying full price — free, perhaps.
I would personally set course back to the field by doing the following: for every year that you’ve been off your machine, plan to spend a month in practice mode. And practice mode should consist of attending live dictation at school, sitting out in either court or in depositions. Also, get out your theory book and get back to basics. Do a theory lesson or two each day during this entire process. And read back your notes. If you are making consistent errors, how would you know unless you read your notes!
DO NOT SPEND ANY MONEY on fancy machines and CAT software until you are sure that you’re ready. If you don’t have a machine whatsoever, get a cheapy manual one until you’re really, really ready to re-take the plunge. See ebay or craigslist for manual machines for sale.
Finally, get plugged back in to the industry by joining the NCRA and/or online communities geared towards court reporting.
Best of luck!!
-Todd |
Comment by Debbie R.
10/7/2007 |
Todd,
What would you recommend to someone who wants to get back into the field of court reporting after a *long* absence? I am looking at machines and CAT software, and don’t have money to throw away — who does — so I want to make wise choices.
I was an RPR/CM (now called RMR) when I left employment at a freelance agency many years ago. My machine was provided and I had a scopist. So much has changed, and I want to bring myself back up to speed. |
Comment by Zoila
6/5/2008 |
Hi Todd, I am so happy to have found this website. I recently graduated from school, and now I don`t know where to go or what to do. I contacted several court reporters and will begin doing some more interning. I also enrolled in the NCRA, but do not understand the CEU`s and how to keep up with that. Where can I read more of the procedures to follow? I will be taking the RPR test this November. In this state, you don`t have to have your RPR to find work, but some places do require it. I want to look for employment but feel that since I don`t have the RPR, they will not even bother with me. I need to start working very soon... I guess I am just feeling desperate and overwhelmed. Please help. |
Comment by Todd Olivas
6/11/2008 |
Hi Zoila, Thank you for writing to me. I would love to help. First, some encouragement: Nobody has it all figured out right out of school. You are already well on your way to succeeding in this career since you have graduated from court reporting school and are beginning to do some interning. You`ve even got the RPR test coming up. You sound like a very motivated person who will find her path to the goals you have set. Congrats! Second, here is what I would do if I were you: - I would contact the NCRA and ask them to explain the way the CEUs work. They are a very helpful organization and are expert at guiding young reporters.
- I would visit their website at www.ncraonline.org. This website is a great resource for helping you know which procedures to follow as well as court reporter ethics.
- Since November is right around the corner and the RPR test will be here, I would be sure to keep up my speed by practicing drills and reviewing my theory.
- Also, if at all possible, I`d try to step back into school for some live dictation.
You didn`t mention what state you live in, but I`m sure there are a ton of helpful agencies who would be willing to mentor you along until you`re 100% ready to work. I hope that helps. There is no need to feel desperate and overwhelmed because there are a lot of resources at your disposal to help. Take full advantage of it all and take care! -Todd
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