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David Le’s story illustrates a remarkable career pivot from engineering to stenography. His journey began while serving as a juror, where he discovered a passion for court reporting. This transition reflects not just a change in profession, but also a deep commitment to language and technology.
After welcoming a daughter into his life, David sought a new direction. His love for languages, along with interests in video gaming and music, made stenography an appealing choice. This article explores how his engineering background has influenced his current role, his approach to learning, and his perspective on the future of court reporting.
The engineering background: A solid foundation for stenography
David acknowledges that his engineering skills have played a crucial role in his success as a stenographer. He emphasizes the importance of proficiency in computer-aided transcription (CAT) software, a skill he developed through his engineering training. His ability to understand complex documentation has facilitated his grasp of the shortcuts and editing techniques necessary for producing accurate transcripts.
Lessons learned from a career switch
Transitioning to a new profession in his thirties, David reflects on how this change has enriched his educational journey. He recognizes that previous academic experiences imparted valuable lessons. Balancing a full-time job and parenting required him to cultivate discipline in his studies. This clarity about his career goals has allowed him to approach learning with renewed enthusiasm and focus. Moreover, his awareness of the job market realities equipped him to ask the right questions and set realistic expectations.
A passion for the stenographic machine
David’s initial fascination with court reporting stemmed from his intrigue with the stenograph machine. The complexity of the device captivated him, and as he delved deeper, he was drawn to the mental challenge it offered. The opportunity to master a skill requiring both precision and speed invigorated his pursuit.
Connecting music, gaming, and language to stenography
David’s varied interests have significantly influenced his journey. His passion for music and video games has instilled a sense of perseverance essential for excelling in stenography. He notes that refining one’s skills demands time and determination, akin to mastering a musical instrument or advancing in a challenging video game.
Additionally, his multilingual background has enhanced his understanding of stenographic theory. Growing up speaking both English and Vietnamese, while also learning French, Korean, and Mandarin, has made him adept at grasping new languages. He likens learning stenographic theory to acquiring a new language, employing techniques such as spaced repetition and immersive reading to internalize the concepts.
The future of court reporting in a tech-driven world
With over a decade of experience, David has witnessed the evolving relationship between technology and court reporting. He acknowledges that the industry continuously adapts to new trends and tools. While he believes the human element in court reporting remains irreplaceable, he recognizes the potential of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the profession.
David emphasizes the significance of ethical considerations and ongoing education in the integration of emerging technologies. He points out that while innovations such as CAT software and remote recording tools, including Zoom, are beneficial, they must be thoughtfully incorporated into workflows to ensure quality and reliability.
Networking and inspiration from industry events
David recently attended the NCRA Conference & Expo in Minneapolis, where he gained valuable insights. He appreciated observing experienced reporters showcase their writing techniques and was inspired by discussions on stenographic theories, particularly with industry leaders like Mark Kislingbury. Networking with peers and mentors not only reignited his passion for stenography but also motivated him to enhance his skills.
After welcoming a daughter into his life, David sought a new direction. His love for languages, along with interests in video gaming and music, made stenography an appealing choice. This article explores how his engineering background has influenced his current role, his approach to learning, and his perspective on the future of court reporting.0
After welcoming a daughter into his life, David sought a new direction. His love for languages, along with interests in video gaming and music, made stenography an appealing choice. This article explores how his engineering background has influenced his current role, his approach to learning, and his perspective on the future of court reporting.1
After welcoming a daughter into his life, David sought a new direction. His love for languages, along with interests in video gaming and music, made stenography an appealing choice. This article explores how his engineering background has influenced his current role, his approach to learning, and his perspective on the future of court reporting.2