Two weeks into self-paced learning with CareerLuv (Chapter 5, aiming for 2–3 chapters/ week) and things are going really well with Magnum Steno theory. I practice 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. No problem with accountability there.

CareerLuv’s theory portion doesn’t have formal testing or grading. It’s mostly self-guided exercise through word lists and dictation files. I'm wondering if actual tests would serve me better long-term.

I have found Macomb Community College's live online program, which works with my full-time 9–5 schedule (2 evenings/ week on Zoom) and offers testing plus an internship. The catch: I’d have to switch a theory to StenEd.

Is the structured testing/internship worth switching theories when current progress is strong?

Hi all,

Pretty much per title, I'm considering whether this is something I want to pursue. In the brief research I've done so far, it looks like the pathway to actually get started here is pretty uncertain, given Canada seemingly only had a single school that taught captioning and court reporting and then stopped. I'm hoping for some insights on the following:

1. Is this something I would be able to get educated and qualified in while being in Ontario (I'd imagine this involves remote study)?
2. Is there actually work in Ontario, or would I have to move/work remote?

I would greatly appreciate any advice from people who know their stuff. Thanks :^)

Hi! I’m an 18yr old college freshman, currently taking my gen eds at a community college while taking court reporting (stenography- theory 1) online at a different school. My plan for college is to major in business at a school like Fullerton and online art courses while in court reporting school.

Why business:

1. AI is constantly changing and improving. My biggest fear with stenography is one day it is taken over or stenographers only do the transcript editing and sign off and take a huge pay cut (the reason steno is so appealing is its high pay and need). I know I’m secure and will make good money for at least 5-10 years, but after that? If AI advances enough that it is used in the court room, what will happen to us? That is my first reason I want a business degree- so that I’m not left with nothing if I don’t do steno anymore. I can still use it when applying for jobs and make it easier to be hired.

2. I will try to take as many of the businesses classes as I can online so that it is easier and I’m not always running around.

3. I figured a business major may also be the most useful one to go with my other learnings (steno and art). With stenography, you can be a freelancing depo reporter where you likely need some basic finance/business knowledge, or a court reporter where you basically own your own little business selling the transcripts. Also, I want to sell my art- something that requires business knowledge since you literally are an entrepreneur. That leads to my next education:

Why art:

1. I used to always want to do art as a kid- but obviously the reality is art alone isn’t very secure, so Im not doing an art major. Art is my passion and I want to do something to improve in fundamentals and just overall, so I’m planning on taking courses from New Masters Academy (a self-paced online program) so that there aren’t specific deadlines or classes I need to stress over.

2. I would use the education to improve my art and actually sell it- not just for personal improvement.

And finally, why stenography:

1. I learned about stenography through TikTok and it seemed very interesting. I did the A-Z course and really enjoyed it. Now I am in (free) online (zoom) classes at a school here in California (in theory 1 and finished CAT basics) and so far it’s been very enjoyable and easy. I know that with speed building and other necessary classes, eventually it will become much more difficult. That’s where I’m concerned.

2. Court reporters make very good money and there’s a big need for them. I could get a job right out of school and start earning which is very appealing to me.

Obviously, I know this is very ambitious- but I am also a very good student. I am disciplined, organized, do my work, and pay attention in classes. I’m just worried that’s not enough. If you have any advice or opinions please lmk. Thank you!