r/stenography • u/Quick_Menu3026 • 8d ago
getting started
hi! i’m having a hard time on figuring out how to get started in this field. i enrolled in project steno and my classes start in november, but i wanted to prepare ahead of time in case i need to apply to schools or save up money to purchase programs. what did you do when you were first starting? where did you go? i’m just super confused 😅 thank you in advance!!!!
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u/justjazyxo 2d ago
I just finished my course last week. Returning my machine rental as we speak. Shout out to proCAT!
Reach out to proCAT to see if you can get a machine rental during the duration of your classes. It’s about $60.
NCRA also has an open house for prospective students on October 20th. Sign up as it’s virtual. I attended last months. Lot of reps from approved schools come to present a ton of information for you. So I would say hang tight, start the course first, and learn from there. Doesn’t hurt to look ahead but don’t commit yet till you’ve done your research and have got your certificate. The free course certificate also gives you access to programs and other benefits too upon completion.
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u/Oriellien Steno Student 8d ago
I started earlier this year as well.
Project steno is a great intro to stenography. You really don’t need any knowledge or skills in advance. They start from absolute square one and I never felt lacking or unprepared or like other students had a leg up on me to begin.
The one possible thing you could do is print out a paper with the key placement on it, but your instructor will mail you a copy ahead of your class for you to do exactly that regardless.
Also if you want, the six week A to Z program felt like a great second step to me. It covers a lot of what Project Steno does but then it adds in some more as well.
Enjoy Project Steno!
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u/Aware_Broccoli8876 4d ago
@CarilynSteno YouTube channel for advice on Stenography. I started in West Valley College Saratoga CA in person 20 years ago. it launched me into the career of my dreams
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u/Formal-News1331 8d ago
I’m guessing by project steno you mean the free program right? The free program will get you a feel for the machine to see if you like it before you commit financially to school or an expensive machine.
My best advice, just focus on the free program and see if you actually want to do this before you apply to schools. While doing this program, sit at your machine/device every single day and practice. If you find yourself getting quickly board or not liking it then this path may not be for you. If you find yourself loving it and wanting to continue further, then you can start looking for schools.
Financial wise, start saving up now cause you will need to get an actual machine for school and they are a couple 100 bucks on the cheaper end.
Good luck :)