To graduate from College of Court Reporting, students must complete a 60-hour internship at their local courthouse or court reporting firm. The following is an interview with Angel McCullough, a CCR student who is currently completing her professional semester. Here is what she had to share about this crucial component in court reporting education:

Where are you interning and is there anyone that you're directly job shadowing?
I am currently interning at the Federal Court in Hammond, Indiana. I am shadowing Rich Ehrlich, a very seasoned and amazing reporter.

What are some of your responsibilities at your internship?
The biggest responsibility I have as an intern is paying attention to every little detail from how Rich files his notes and saves documents to the actual court proceedings and trials I sit in on. Other responsibilities I have would be arriving on time, being prepared with all of my supplies, taking notes throughout the day, and logging my internship hours.

Talk about the importance of professional dress and conduct at your internship.
Dressing professionally is very vital, especially at the Federal Court where I intern. Not one person in the courtroom will take you seriously if you are not dressed in professional attire. Not only are you representing yourself, you're representing the court reporting field as a whole, so you want to make sure you look professional at all times no matter where you're reporting.

How are you balancing your responsibilities for your internship and any work that you still have to do for CCR (if any)?
I complete all internship paperwork and duties on the day I actually go to the courthouse. I set aside a couple extras hours on the days I intern in order to get all of my responsibilities taken care of. That way I can focus on my school duties on the other days.

What advice do you have for students who have started their professional semester?
Pay attention! You may not think little things are of much importance at first, but when you're out working, you will realize that every tip and instruction will come in handy. Another thing, always present yourself as if you're at a job interview for a very professional job. You never know who you'll meet that day and how they can help you in the future!