CONVENTION REPORTING CAREER PATH
If you do well in a fast-paced environment and have excellent attention to detail, you may want to consider a career as a convention reporter. Professionals who work in convention reporting jobs typically serve as captioners or stenographers for business-related or political conferences, capturing such events for future reference.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A CONVENTION REPORTER?
Successful convention reporters are able to quickly and accurately document speeches, presentations, Q&A sessions and other typical meeting components using steno equipment.
A court reporting degree or certification is expected in this line of work. Most convention reporters learn transcription tips and how to use steno technology effectively during coursework. Court reporting programs also help aspiring convention reporters improve their English language and grammar skills, as well as master common business and legal terminology.
Many states impose licensing or certification requirements on convention reporters involving written tests and skills assessments. Some states accept professional certifications such as those offered by the National Court Reporting Association (NCRA); American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT); or the National Verbatim Reporter Association (NVRA) in lieu of other state-specific licensing requirements.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CONVENTION REPORTING JOB DESCRIPTION?
In addition to providing captioning or stenography services for large events, people who work as convention reporters are called to work in a variety of assemblies, including board and/or shareholder meetings, budget meetings, disciplinary hearings, union hearings and more. Convention reporting professionals capture a record of the minutes and use shorthand to document the proceedings with a high degree of accuracy. This way, attendees and those who were absent can review the transcripts later.
Convention reporters are increasingly called upon to create computer-aided transcriptions in a matter of minutes during large conventions or meetings. This tends to improve the attendees’ experience and help facilitate event participation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING AS A CONVENTION REPORTER?
The convention reporter career appeals to some people because it is typically a freelance role. This means it offers flexibility not available in other traditional jobs. Convention reporters also get to attend a variety of meetings and conventions and play key roles in documenting those events.
The convention reporter salary is also a feature that attracts people to this role. The median annual wage for court reporters working in business support services was $48,690 as of May 2019.
PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER WITH A DEGREE FROM Generations COLLEGE
If you want to become a convention reporter, Generations College’s court reporting degree program can help you reach that goal. Students enrolled in this program learn machine shorthand theory, English, grammar and vocabulary, speed-building skills, common terminology encountered by convention reporters, and more. This Associate of Applied Science degree is attainable through our Chicago campus, but busy adults can also choose to pursue their studies through our accredited online degree program.
To learn more about the convention reporting career path, contact us today. If you are ready to take the first step toward preparing for this exciting and rewarding career, apply online!