By Vanessa Johns
You’re probably familiar with some of what your NCRA Student Membership can do for you: NCRF Career Launcher discounts and scholarship opportunities, discounts on certification tests, free student-specific webinars and online events throughout the year ….
But did you know there is more below the surface?
Read contest winners’ steno notes
NCRA members can receive digital and print copies of the JCR, NCRA’s monthly magazine. It’s full of industry news, grammar and tech tips, profiles of reporters, and so much more. My favorite part: You get an opportunity to analyze the notes of the best of the best! A few times a year, the JCR publishes the steno notes of the annual Speed Contest winners. While reading your own notes is probably more beneficial for your writing, it is inspiring to see the contest winners’ notes and the differences in their theories and how they write. Their briefs may surprise you! It is a good reminder that there is no one “right” way to write, and that practice pays off.
Apply for scholarships to attend the NCRA Conference & Expo – for FREE
NCRF offers the Student Conference Registration Scholarship and the Christine Phipps Travel Award to help pay your way. The annual Conference is a unique opportunity to learn and network with industry professionals from around the country. In the future, you’ll be focused on earning CEUs and building professional relationships, but attending early in your career gives you a head start and a deeper understanding of the field. If you’re not selected or eligible (yet!) for a scholarship, you can still get a discount on your student Conference registration package. Get ready for a meaningful and motivational weekend!
Develop your leadership skills on a committee
NCRA is a huge organization with many moving parts. Student members are unique stakeholders within this organization and have the opportunity to serve on several NCRA committees. The Student/Teacher Committee plans the student sessions for the annual Conference as well as other events and articles for students and teachers. Committee service is a great introduction to how NCRA works and a way to develop your leadership skills as you find your place in this profession.
Contribute to the Up-to-Speed newsletter
Student members can submit articles to Up-to-Speed! Share your experiences, ideas, and perspectives with other students. You might have a unique story that led you to court reporting or a favorite practice resource.
How will your professional life before court reporting school make you a better court reporter? If you’ve navigated life’s challenges while conquering speeds, there’s a student out there who would love to learn from your experience.
Scholarships, scholarships, scholarships
Who doesn’t need a little financial assistance to help as we work to finish school? NCRA has so many scholarships for students! Whether you’re at 60 wpm or completing your internship, there is a scholarship for you. Did you know that some of these scholarships go unawarded because there aren’t enough applicants? Don’t miss out on these scholarships designed to support your court reporting journey. Apply today!
Learn more about the benefits of NCRA membership.
Not a member yet? Join NCRA in September and get 16 months for the price of 12.
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