Prince Institute's Blog

I’ve heard many court reporters say that court reporting school is the hardest part of being a court reporter. I’m not out working yet—I have three more 225 tests to pass—but I’m looking forward to the day when I walk into a courtroom, rolling my machine behind me, and preserve the record. Everybody’s journey is different. We all have challenges. Maybe my story will help other students keep their eyes on the end of the road.

Graduation is here. You have reached your goal and are recognized as new court reporters.

When speaking with an online speedbuilding class one evening, we were discussing test anxiety and confidence: how practice builds one’s confidence. I remember being taught a long time ago that if you’re knowledgeable and well-prepared about a subject, you’re confident about that subject. Looking back upon my experience as a court reporting student, and my first year or so of court reporting, and after some research and reflection on the subject, I pulled out some words of wisdom that I felt were worth reinforcement.

There are stages of passing a speed and they seem to be the same no matter what speed you’ve just achieved.

Are you a court reporter who loves to travel? Would you like an insider view of the court reporting profession in Brazil? How about experiencing the Brazilian culture in a way most travelers never do?

I have attended and hosted many Open Houses as an admissions professional for schools across the country, and every Open House has something to offer. Whether you are someone who is a lifetime learner, and you are willing to soak up any free knowledge that a school is willing to give you, or you are supporting a family member who is going to school, there tends to be a little something for everyone.

One of the most important investments you’ll make as a reporting or CART/captioning student is in the technology you choose for your training. Whether you’re just beginning or further along in your education, this choice will have a great impact on your progress and your chances for career success.

As a Prince Institute court reporting instructor and former court reporter, I remember one of my first jobs in the “real world” of court reporting. It was an arbitration hearing held in a meeting room at a local hotel. There were about 20 people in the room all milling around and talking as I nervously set up my equipment. I made a seating chart and collected business cards from everyone. When they were ready to begin, I was still trying to write down designations that I could use on my writer for all the various men in the room. We started off with a bang because all parties were obviously angry and didn’t want to be there. After about an hour or two of writing, we took a much-needed break. When I returned to the room, everyone had switched to a different seat. I swallowed hard, spoke up, and asked them all to return to their original seats. They obliged willingly.

When potential court reporting students begin to research schools and curriculums, they are told that they will need to plan for a minimum of 35 hours a week to dedicate to school, between classes, machine practice, and homework. These new students need to be realistic and look at their life circumstances and map out a plan of action for successfully completing the minimum requirements for practice and study time each week. It is also important for them to evaluate their support system and strategize an effective practice and homework schedule.

All students have asked themselves at some point: “What do I want to do with my life?” Deciding on a career path is a big decision. Once a student has decided what career excites and inspires them, their next step should be to learn as much as possible about the qualifications needed for their selected field. The Internet and community services, including the local library, are great sources for assistance in career choices and development. Research will help determine which areas to study, as well as the depth of study required.