New Year's Day is the traditional time to make personal and professional resolutions, but when it comes to your career any time is a good time to evaluate your path and make changes. What can court reporters do to become more valuable?

Embrace New Technology

Throughout the history of the profession, technology has changed the way court reporters do their jobs. They have gone from taking shorthand with pen and paper to steno machines to realtime computer-aided translation systems. Never have those changes been happening as fast as they are today.

Court reporters who continue to use older techniques risk becoming obsolete. It's easy to become used to a way of doing things and resist changes that push us out of our comfort zones. However these new technologies don't just make reporters more attractive to clients. They allow them to do their jobs more quickly, easily and efficiently. Investigate new court reporting technologies and integrate them into your routine to become a better reporter.

Certification and Education

One of the keys to success for court reporters is NCRA certification. A certified court reporter will always be in more demand than a non-certified one. Even if you are certified you can still pursue other credentials. If you have your RPR, start studying for your RMR.

Certification says something to a client about your level of commitment to the profession and the skills needed, but it does more than that. Certification makes you a better reporter. It forces you to push yourself beyond your limits and find a new level of proficiency.

In addition to certification, stay informed on the latest developments in the industry. That means the technology mentioned above but also changes in regulations or best practices that may affect the way you do your job. Changes on the local, state and federal level can have sweeping consequences to the industry.

Advocate for the Profession

Although most legal professionals respect court reporters and their contributions to our courtroom system, a surprising number of them don't understand the profession and how it benefits the nation's administration of justice.

While court reporters are often seen as the quiet one in the room, slipping in to take notes then slipping out again, there is no reason you have to be. Before and after the proceedings, take time to interact with the attorneys, judge and court officials. The relationships you form will help you professionally but will also give you opportunities to educate them on the role court reporting fills in the system. It doesn't mean being preachy or pushy, but a few well-placed comments will help them understand the production of an accurate transcript doesn't happen by magic.

Even if only once or twice a year, it pays to take stock of your career so you don't stagnate.