Court Reporting Mentors – What Is the Value?

There is the technical definition of mentoring – a developmental partnership through which one person shares knowledge, skills, information and perspective to foster the personal and professional growth of someone else.  Then there is my definition – friend and coach.

 In the field of court reporting, mentoring is invaluable.  The mentor can share insights that have been learned through the years, not only about technical skills involving software and theory, but also about social skills, values, ethics and standards in the legal community.  In addition, mentoring affords the court reporting student an opportunity to write at an actual deposition or hearing, and any questions they have regarding their experience can be answered at that time.  

 I am very proud to be a mentor.  I make myself available 24/7. The job we do as court reporters is very important, and I am happy to share my knowledge with another generation of court reporters.  Being a student can sometimes be difficult and stressful, so I am always positive and encouraging. I believe the goal is worth all the hard work.  I encourage everyone to be a mentor at least once.  It is very rewarding — not only for the student, but also for you! 

Submitted By Mary Ring, RPR, Brown & Jones Reporting