CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A leader at Chicago’s own Generations College said there are plenty of new opportunities in a very old profession: court reporting.
“We do have the oldest court reporting program, really in the world, so we’re really pleased about that,” said Dr. Grace Stephens, chancellor of Generations College. “Our college started in 1904, and the court reporting started shortly thereafter.”
Stephens said “it takes a special person” to do well in the field of court reporting, given that “you’ll hear anything and everything in a courtroom.”
Those who are able to handle it, though, can find career success in more places than just the courtroom. Stephens said court reporters easily find work transcribing for doctors, the corporate world, TV stations, and more.
“The pay is extremely, extremely good,” she said. “Court reporters get paid very well, they make their own hours, and they have a freer lifestyle. They always have work. Especially for women and moms, it’s a great career choice for them.”
Stephens added that the industry has a solid infrastructure in place to support court reporters who want to work on their own terms.
“You can actually be a freelance reporter,” she said. “Once you graduate, you can decide to go work for an agency. When you work with these reporting agencies, they will pass work onto you. You can create your own business, your own LLC, and start reporting … in the comfort of your own home.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said court reporter employment is expected to grow by almost 10% over the next four years.
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