Transitioning from student to professional

[Octavia Brice]

Hello everyone,

A really quick question or two.  I live in Pittsburgh, Pa and have just recently graduated (December 2011) Hooray!!!  I am ready to make myself available for work, but I still have my student equipment.  I have posted a similar question on another forum and received some pretty good suggestions.  I just wanted some fresh eyes on this and possibly an idea that has not mentioned.

Okay.  Here it goes - the dilemma.  I am sure I could use my (student) writer as long as I have full version software.  My credit is fair, so financing is out of the question.  Is there an economic way to upgrade my software or writer?  Is it realistic to think that a potential hiring agency would help me to become more employable?

I was told, when I was in school, that I could use whatever software I wanted as long as the agency had or was provided a copy of it.  Is this true, and if so, how do I go about doing that?

Sorry, that was three questions. LOL.

[Patricia Babits]

One of my friends had an agency buy her software for her, but that was several years ago when there was a shortage of reporters. She was able to pay her back on her first depo! I don't really see that happening now, although I don't know how things are in PA.

 What machine do you have now? I would be nervous of using a machine without much memory. You don't need an expensive machine. I just sold a 8000LX for 750, and it would be perfect to work with.

Eclipse and Case are both expensive, but you could start out on much cheaper software like DigitalCat or AristoCat if you can't afford the others. I think DigitalCat might let you lease their software. 

[Patricia Babits]

It looks like you can lease DigitalCAT for $79 a month.  Not sure how good your credit would need to be, but I would look into that.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I am using DigitalCat (Stenovations).  It is good.  You can get your first three months free - keep paying that monthly fee (and more) so you own it in two years.

 

As for your writer, do you have a laptop?  If you do, you can write to your laptop, save every half-hour or so.

If money is really tight, there are a few court reporting machine companies that offer rent-to-own, and you can trade in yours.

If you graduated in December, and are just beginning to look, it sounds like mostly - you are afraid to get out there.  If that's it, then start with small jobs, a few a week, let your confidence and composure build up.  If you need to, take a tape recorder for backup.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

You could always make payments on software.  Stenovations sofware yo don't buy; just make a monthly payment on it.  Over the long run, that could become more costly, however.  You don't want to have to learn software twice because you're down for such a long time trying to become proficient at editing.

You may want to look in the classifieds section here and I know there are machines for sale, tons of them.  Also, eBay sells writers cheaper than new.  Everyone is selling their Mira to buy an Diamante.  You could get some great deals.

[Octavia Brice]

Thanks everyone for your input.  It is greatly appreciated.

Patricia - I currently have a Protege (electric) and a 400SRT (manual) which are both paper writers.  As for DigitalCat, I will definitely take a closer look at their leasing program.  I think StenoCat has one also, but I'm not sure about that.

Mary Jo - I think you may have got me.  I thought I was just apprehensive about not being properly equipped, but you may have very well hit the nail on the head.  Rest assured I will take a deep breath and move it forward.  I know I can do this.  I will keep your suggestions at the forefront of my mind.  Thanks.

Kelli - Thanks for the heads up.  I will check that out.  Mary Jo mentioned something about companies that have rent-to-own programs that I think I'll look into as well.

Again, thanks everybody.

[Judy]

Octavia,

Please, please, please do not go on a reporting assignment with a student writer.  If anything happened to your computer, you wouldn't have a proper backup.  I once sent out a reporter to an expert depo.  After the job she called absolutely hysterical because the job wasn't on her computer.  My suggestion was just to get it from the RAM on her writer.  Uh-oh, she was using a student writer.  Gotta tell you, I've never been more peeved at any reporter than I was at that one.  Her actions were totally irresponsible.  Buy a used professional writer if you must, but do buy a professional writer with the proper backups.

And as far as an agency having a copy of your software?  I've never heard of such a thing.  All the agencies I know couldn't care less what software you use because they print up the job using something like pdf-it or E-transcript. 

[Octavia Brice]

Thanks, that's good to know.  Still pushing forward.  Hopefully I will find something soon.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

If you really need to, you can get a Stenoram II for $400 through JM Steno.  I suggest you sell your two writers and use that money to buy a professional writer, which a nice one through Acculaw or TopCat or another, is about $850.  I think StenoCat is $650 a year for their software program (and that would be a good choice for you since you are just starting out.)

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Hi, Octavia!  I work in Washington, DC now ... but I'm from Clearfield, PA, just about 2 hours from you - old Exit 19 off of Interstate 80 on the way to State College.  Congratulations on graduation!  Wishing you plenty of good work.  Believe it or not, there are still some towns, cities, areas, where that dirty little secret of court reporting still prevails ... freelancers are freelancers, but not really.  In other words, if you work an agency, you don't cross lines and work for another agency - it's just not done.  Now, I don't know if Pittsburgh is a true freelance town where you can truly work for every agency in the area.  That would be ideal, and you should make sure you give your contact info to all of them.  But one thing's for sure, you need to have a new professional writer and full version CAT software.  Might as well get a package.  You're probably familiar with what you had in school, but I'd say stick with a good solid software, one of the biggies.  Don't scrimp on the tools of your trade!  Also, I've never heard of providing the software to the agency - you're probably meaning the ascii.  Hey, best of luck to you, Octavia!  Go Steelers.

M.A.

[Octavia Brice]

Thanks Mary Ann I'm trying my best.  That's one of the reasons I'm still at home sitting on my thumbs.  I'm hoping I can work something out soon.  Sitting at home is quite boring.

I have been practicing.  By the time I do get out there no one will ever know I'm a newbie. lol

[Patricia Babits]

I know a reporter who worked for 10 years on a used 800LX that she bought while she was still a student.  She works all the time too.  She finally bought a Diamante this year.

I don't see how someone who can't get financing and has no money can get the best and newest equipment.