Remote work – Gain the freedom to work from anywhere.

THE ANNUAL SCOPING INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

by Heidi

Every year as spring begins, we find ourselves at the threshold of scholarship season. At Scoping International, it is a time we eagerly anticipate, for it allows us to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting individuals worldwide through education.

We have held steadfast to the belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or economic circumstance. Whether you are a retired teacher, a digital nomad, or a devoted stay-at-home mom or dad, we recognize that the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries.

In a world where economic disparities persist and educational opportunities remain unevenly distributed, we envision a future where individuals from all walks of life can harness their potential and pursue fulfilling careers. Through our comprehensive Complete Scoping Course, we aim to equip aspiring scopists with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Our dream is simple, to foster a global community of scopists empowered to create their own paths, support their families, and find fulfillment in their work, regardless of where they reside or their financial means.

The annual Scoping International Scholarship Program embodies our unwavering commitment to this vision. Each year, we are honored to offer one full scholarship and two partial scholarships to deserving candidates. The application window opens during Q2 and the recipients are announced at the beginning of Q3.

We invite individuals from every corner of the globe to apply, regardless of their background or circumstances. Whether you’re embarking on a new career path, seeking to enhance your skill set, or simply yearning for a fresh opportunity, we welcome your application.

To apply, candidates are invited to submit a compelling personal essay of 500 words or less, sharing their personal journey and explaining why they believe they are deserving of the scholarship. Whether you choose to highlight your aspirations, recount your challenges, or articulate your passion for scoping, we eagerly await to read your stories.

Applications are distributed via email and to apply all you need to do is fill out the personal information and then attach your essay. The team at Scoping International carefully considers each application and then conducts interviews with the short list of candidates. We strive to award the scholarship to those that are deserving and committed. Please consider your participation seriously as it’s not our goal that these scholarships end up unused. We encourage you to spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues who may benefit from this opportunity. Together, let’s ensure that education remains accessible for all.

Typically, the Complete Scoping Course can be started at any time but please note that scholarship recipients must enroll and be prepared to commence the course by September 1 of the year they apply.

As we embark on this journey together, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of our community for your unwavering support. Your belief in our mission fuels our determination to make a difference, one scopist at a time.

For the latest updates and announcements, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @scopinginternational.

Thank you for joining us on this transformative journey.

Warm regards,

The Team at Scoping International

HOW TO BUDGET AS A FREELANCER

by Coralie

One big concern that comes up when one is considering pursuing a freelance career is what about benefits, like health insurance, retirement, vacation?

While the faculty here at Scoping International are not claiming to be financial experts, by any means, we do have a few years of freelancing under our belt, and we’re happy to pass along some gems we’ve gleaned from our personal experiences. Here are some tips to consider when deciding if scoping will work for you, especially if it is your or your family’s sole income.

Plan for the ups and downs

A factor that can cause a lot of hesitation when we’re deciding if we want to let go of the 9:00 to 5:00 lifestyle is letting go of the predictable income. While freedom and flexibility call to us, not knowing exactly how much will land in your bank account is definitely something that can give us pause, and that is a completely valid concern. There are ups and downs in this career, absolutely, and we will not deny that. But you’re the business owner, and just because your monthly income may ride bit of a roller-coaster doesn’t mean your daily heart rate has to.

After you’ve established what your monthly expenses are – your rent/mortgage, food, gas, phone bill, utilities, and so on – add on how much you need to save every month in order to have a buffer. We recommend setting aside at least three months’ worth of saving in order to cover those necessary expenses, six months, if you can do it, is even better. (Note: This is recommended by financial experts even if you are employed.) This is not money for a pair of shoes that just went on sale that you have to have. This is money you do not touch unless you haven’t earned enough to cover your monthly expenses. If you need to dip into this account, fill it back up the next time your monthly income is exceeding your expenses.

Budget in health care

In some parts of the world, you may have to cover your own medical costs. Do research regarding where you live to find a health care plan that covers your needs. Then add those costs to your monthly expenses. In places like the U.S., if you end up having a high-deductible plan, you may be able to take advantage of services like the Health Savings Account, where you can put away pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket medical costs, including deductibles.

Budget in your retirement savings

Once you have your buffer in place and your health insurance squared away, it’s time to tackle your retirement savings. In places where retirement is funded by the individual, there are sometimes programs that can help you increase that bank account. In the U.S., there are programs such as S.E.P.-IRA, Solo 401(k), and Roth I.R.A. accounts that can assist you in setting aside money for your golden years.

Budget in your vacation

Decide how much time you would like to take off, calculate your earnings for that time and spread that out over 12 months. Add in that cost to your monthly expenses, set up a vacation-time savings account, and pay yourself paid time off. And guess what? You decide how much time you take off every year. How cool is that!?

You’re the boss

And there are advantages and disadvantages with that. On the positive side, because you’re the boss of a job that allows you to decide how much you want to work, after looking over your expenses and taking our Complete Scoping Course, you have the ability to earn what is needed to cover your costs and decide when you will work to meet those costs. There is incredible freedom and power in that.

That being said, there is no payroll department deducting these costs and putting them into accounts for you. You have to have the discipline to do that for yourself. And, yes, it takes a lot of self-control to set that money aside and be wise with it. Remember, you are paying your future self, whether it’s to have a month off to travel Southeast Asia or to set up your 55-year-old self to retire early, whatever your dream is, you are worth the planning and sacrifice it takes now to reach those dreams. And now, with your new freelance career, you have more power than ever to make those dreams come true.

Start Module 1 of the Complete Scoping Course for free today to take your first step into freedom.

Start for free here

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND ENERGIZED WHILE WORKING AT A DESK

by Heidi

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us spend long hours sitting at our desks, whether for work, studying, or browsing the internet. Prolonged sitting can lead to various health issues, including stiff muscles, poor posture, and decreased energy levels. Incorporating simple stretching exercises into your daily routine can help counteract the negative effects of sedentary desk work and promote overall well-being. That’s what we try to do at Scoping International, but let’s face it, we all can use some helpful reminders to get up and move. Here are some effective at-home desk stretching exercises that will help you stay healthy, energized, and productive. Give them a try right now.

Sitting for extended periods can cause tension and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. To relieve this tension, try the following exercises:

Neck Roll
Sit up tall and gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Slowly roll your neck in a circular motion,bringing your chin to your chest and then to the other shoulder. Repeat 5-10 times in each direction.

Shoulder Shrugs
Lift both shoulders towards your ears and hold for a few seconds. Relax and repeat 10-15 times. This exercise helps release tension in the upper back and shoulder area.

Sitting with poor posture can lead to rounded shoulders and a tight chest. These stretches will open up your chest and improve your upper back mobility:

Chest Opener
Stand or sit up tall with your arms extended behind you, interlacing your fingers. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together as you lift your hands away from your back. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.

Seated Twist
Sit with your feet planted firmly on the ground and your spine tall. Place your right hand on the back of your chair and twist your torso to the right, using your left hand to support the twist. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Typing and using a mouse for prolonged periods can strain the wrists and forearms. These stretches will help alleviate discomfort and prevent repetitive strain injuries:

Wrist Extension and Flexion
Extend your arm in front of you, palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist, pointing your fingers towards the floor. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then flex your wrist, pointing your fingers towards the ceiling. Repeat 3-5 times on each hand.

Forearm Stretch
Extend your right arm straight in front of you, palm facing down. With your left hand, grab your fingers and gently pull them towards your body until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other arm.

Sitting for long periods can lead to tight hips and a weak lower body. Incorporate these exercises to keep your lower body active and flexible:

Seated Leg Extensions
Sit on the edge of your chair and extend one leg straight out in front of you. Flex your foot and hold for 10-15 seconds, then point your toes and hold for another 10-15 seconds. Repeat on the other leg for a total of 3-5 sets.

Hip Flexor Stretch
Stand tall and take a step forward with your right leg, keeping your left leg behind you. Bend your right knee and lower your left knee towards the ground. Lean slightly forward to feel a stretch in the front of your left hip. Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch sides.

These few simple stretches can improve your overall health, and the welcomed break from staring at the computer screen will even give your eyes a “stretch.” Incorporating these at-home desk stretching exercises into your daily routine will allow you to continue being productive and limber while pumping out the pages. A healthy body is a happy body.
Tell us which stretches you like doing at your desk.

EASY TIPS FOR SURVIVING IN A WORK FROM HOME DESK JOB

by Heidi

In today’s digital age, more and more people find themselves working in sedentary desk jobs from the comfort of their homes. While the flexibility and convenience of remote work are undeniable, it also presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining self-care routines. Sitting for prolonged periods, lack of physical activity, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. However, with a mindful approach and intentional habits, it’s possible to thrive in a sedentary desk job while prioritizing self-care.

Scoping International wants the best for our students and graduates. We are here to support you and make sure that your new scoping career enhances your life. So in this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies and effective self-care practices that can transform your work-from-home experience.

Prioritize Ergonomics: Creating an ergonomic workstation is crucial for maintaining good posture and reducing the risk of physical strain. Invest in a comfortable chair that supports your back and promotes proper alignment. Adjust the height of your desk and monitor to ensure that your screen is at eye level. Consider using a standing desk or incorporating movement breaks to break up long periods of sitting.
Incorporate Physical Activity: Counterbalance the sedentary nature of your job by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Schedule regular exercise breaks throughout the day, such as stretching, yoga moves, or short walks. Utilize fitness apps or online workout classes to stay motivated and engaged. Even small activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or doing household chores can make a difference.
Practice Mindful Breaks: Take intentional breaks during your workday to recharge your mind and prevent burnout. Engage in mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply stepping away from your desk and focusing on the present moment. Use these breaks to disconnect from work-related stressors and engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby.
Establish Boundaries: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial when your workspace merges with your living space. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life by defining specific working hours and creating a designated workspace. Avoid checking work-related emails or engaging in work tasks outside of your defined work hours. Create a shutdown ritual that signals to your body that the workday is over, i.e., power down your computer, tidy your workspace, or turn off the light at your desk. Embrace the freedom of remote work by intentionally scheduling time for leisure activities, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing personal interests.
Nourish Your Body and Mind: Proper nutrition is essential for sustaining energy levels and maintaining focus throughout the workday. Plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks in advance to avoid relying on quick and unhealthy options. Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle at your desk and making it a habit to drink regularly. Additionally, prioritize getting enough sleep each night to support overall well-being and cognitive function.
Foster Social Connections: Working from home can sometimes feel isolating, so it’s important to nurture social connections. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunch dates with colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie. Engage in online communities or join professional networks related to your field to connect with like-minded individuals. Social interactions, even in a virtual setting, can boost morale and provide a sense of belonging.
Seek Variety and Stimulate Your Mind: Stagnation and monotony can contribute to a lack of motivation and creativity. Seek variety in your work tasks by exploring different projects or taking up new challenges. Set aside time for learning and professional development to stimulate your mind and expand your skill set specific to scoping. Have you considered joining Margie Holds Class? What about subscribing and/or regularly watching educational YouTube channels on grammar? Engage in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument during your leisure time to promote mental well-being.

We know what it’s like to get in the “five more pages” trap. While a sedentary desk job at home may pose challenges to self-care, by implementing these techniques, you will ensure the longevity of your career as a scopist, boost productivity, and therefore profitability, and ensure scoping enhances rather than takes over your life.

Happy scoping!

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY STUDY EVEN IF YOU ARE BUSY

by Heidi

Studying is an essential part of the learning process. Whether you are in school, pursuing a career, or simply expanding your knowledge, studying is a vital aspect of achieving your goals. However, studying can be challenging and overwhelming at times. Therefore, it’s important to have effective study tips to help you stay on track and achieve your goals. Here’s some tips we put together so you can achieve success in the Complete Scoping Course.

Create a schedule: One of the most effective study tips is to create a schedule. You should allocate specific times for studying and stick to it. Maybe you have heard it called “time block.” This helps to create a routine, which is essential for long-term success. Moreover, having a schedule ensures that you are making time for everything else in your life, such as work, family, and social activities – we’ll talk more about work-life balance in a future blog.
Find a quiet place to study: Another important study tip is to find a quiet place to study. Distractions can be a major obstacle to effective studying. TURN OFF YOUR NOTIFICATIONS! It’s important to find a quiet and comfortable environment where you can focus. This could be your local library, your favorite coffee shop, or even a designated study area in your home.
Use the Pomodoro technique: The Pomodoro technique is a time-management method that helps you stay focused and motivated while studying. The technique involves breaking your study sessions into 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. This method has been proven to increase productivity and reduce procrastination. Did you know that for the majority of us, our attention diminishes after 20 minutes. You’re not doing yourself any favors by trying to break any world records here. Stick to the 25-minute intervals and you’ll see an overall increase in memory retention, that means satisfaction in retaining all those grammar rules!
Take breaks: It’s important to take regular breaks while studying. Your brain needs time to rest and recharge, and taking breaks can help improve your focus and concentration. However, it’s important to use your breaks wisely. When you have been working or studying on a computer, instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV, try doing something active, such as taking a walk or doing some stretches. Your brain will thank you, and so will your eyes.
Use active learning techniques: Active learning techniques involve engaging with the material you are studying actively. This could involve taking notes, summarizing information, creating flashcards, or teaching the material to someone else. Active learning techniques have been shown to be more effective than passive learning techniques, such as reading and highlighting. I wrote out flashcards for every single grammar rule in the book. Let me tell you, it worked!
Stay organized: Staying organized is essential for effective studying. This involves keeping track of your assignments, notes, and deadlines. You should also keep your study materials organized and easily accessible. This can help reduce stress and improve your focus. Try to set a completion date for the course, then after looking at all the modules in the Complete Scoping Course, map out when you want to accomplish them. This then leads to the next point…
Stay motivated: Finally, it’s important to stay motivated while studying. Set realistic goals for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve them. Surround yourself with positive influences, such as supportive friends and family. Moreover, remember why you are studying and the benefits it will bring you in the long run. Don’t forget to reward yourself once in a while for big accomplishments, like passing that grammar final and then graduation!

In conclusion, effective studying requires discipline, focus, and motivation. By using these study tips, you can improve your chances of success and achieve your goals. Remember to create a schedule, find a quiet place to study, use the Pomodoro technique, take breaks, use active learning techniques, stay organized, and stay motivated. With these tips, you can make studying a more productive and enjoyable experience.

We would love to hear what techniques you have been using while studying for the Complete Scoping Course. Follow us on Instagram at @scopinginternational and send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you! Happy studying!

TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF SCOPING

by Heidi

When considering a new career, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is what is the future of this occupation? Especially when considering how technology might affect your job.

Workplace technology has advanced at a never-before-seen rate. The MIT Technology Review states that the pandemic has accelerated the move to a hybrid workplace, and also has amplified the use of technology in our workplace (Insight, 2020). A survey published by McKinsey & Company shows how “COVID-19 has pushed companies over the technology tipping point–and transformed business forever.” The survey explains that in the first few months of the pandemic, “the share of digital or digitally enabled products in their portfolios has accelerated by a shocking seven years.” Without a doubt, technology is playing a greater part in every workplace, so the question is how is it affecting the scoping industry?

Technology and the future of scoping can be a controversial subject in the industry. Scoping and court reporting are linked, so to talk about one, we have to talk about the other. After a court reporter writes steno notes of the proceedings, a scopist then edits those files. Because we now have improved and more common audio to text technology, it’s a common misconception that court reporting will slowly be replaced by software that translates audio files to text and that technology will advance enough that scopists will be less and less in demand. However, the opposite is actually true. Even as technology advances, legal proceedings will still happen, and the transcripts from those proceedings will still need to be edited. Scopists fill that need. It’s controversial because court reporters feel it threatens their livelihood and it undermines the skill they possess. Like anyone, they do not appreciate the suggestion that they are replaceable by a machine. Nothing can replace the human brain.

Have you ever tried the voice to text option on your smartphone? What was the result? Were there still errors to correct? Yes? Exactly! Court reporters can do something that recording devices can’t. They can see the person talking, read lips, and they can process multiple people talking at once. Margie Wakeman Wells, an English instructor specializing in the court reporting industry and known for her best-selling reference text Court Reporting: Bad Grammar/Good Punctuation, calls it “You had to be there” punctuation, and sometimes, as a scopist, listening to the file, you have to trust the reporter. They were there. A scopist’s job relies on the court reporter’s transcript to be able to format and fix those kinds of errors, whether it be grammar, the spelling of industry jargon, or punctuation.

So, if the human court reporter is superior to any known machine, why are some court proceedings still turning to voice and video recordings and transcription services? To put it clearly, there is a serious shortage of court reporters. In addition, as in any industry, court systems and law firms are trying to save money. This creates a situation where digital reporting, video, or just audio recording becomes really tempting. The court reporter is getting cut out of the picture as proceedings get videotaped and sent straight to a transcriptionist. The demand for proceedings outweighs the availability of court reporters. Something needs to fill the gap. This is just a fact. It’s in the numbers.

While a scopist can choose to scope files from video and audio recordings, Scoping International really feels that having a court reporter at a proceeding is and will continue to be the best option. The other options are usually found wanting, and those who tried them come back to court reporters. The faculty at Scoping International states, “We really think more needs to be done to raise awareness that this industry exists, it’s viable, and will never disappear, at least not in the foreseeable future.” Whether you want to become a court reporter or a scopist, the future looks bright. Here at Scoping International, “We want to be a part of the future. Our goal is to bring awareness to these industries and help educate the next generation of scopists.”

For the foreseeable future, audio and video recording technology won’t affect scoping that much. However, the majority of court reporters are reaching retirement age, and as trained professional court reporters become less and less available, digital reporting and recordings will become the standard. Even though technology is playing a greater part in the workplace and is affecting the scoping industry to some degree, this doesn’t directly impact the scoping industry too much. What will possibly change is the format in which scopists receive court proceedings. At any rate, those transcripts will still need to be formatted by a scopist.

If you are looking for a new career that offers you the flexibility to work from anywhere with an increasing demand for skilled workers, then visit our homepage and take the quiz to see if scoping is the right fit for you.

START YOUR OWN SCOPING BUSINESS THIS YEAR

by Coralie

Starting a new business is unlike starting a new job. You don’t have any co-workers, assistants, and everything is up to you. You don’t have the same systems in place, and there are very few checks and balances when you start your own business unless you institute them yourself. But let’s face it, that’s the main reason you probably want to start working from home this year, right? The best reason to start working as a scopist from home is the flexibility and the freedom it affords you and your family.

Imagine you’ve enrolled in the first section of the scoping course. You’ve finished reading through all the requirements, and you’ve decided to take the plunge and enroll in the Complete Scoping Course by Scoping International. The second section is a little more involved, and there are lots of things coming at you. Perhaps, you’ve been a bit derailed with family life or the holiday season. Not to worry, we are here to help you get back on your feet and help you reach your goal of starting your scoping business this year.

One of the most proven techniques for staying focused is knowing exactly why you have invested in this new venture. Investing time, money, and effort can take a lot out of you if you aren’t quite sure of your reasons for doing it. This course is an investment, not only monetarily, but timewise too. Even though the course is self-paced, you will be busy studying and learning new things. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and full of self-doubt at this stage. But now is the right time to remember why you started and what your end goal is.

GOALS FOR THIS YEAR

Freedom to work from anywhere.
Flexibility to work from where you want to be.
Financial independence and the ability to reach your financial goals.

Figure out your approach to the course. Will you take it a bit easier and do it part-time, or will you devote six to eight hours a day of learning? This, of course, is entirely up to you. This course is self-paced, and you have lifetime access to it. Keep in mind your goals. If you are hoping to set up as a working scopist before the end of the year, then here are a few tips and techniques to help you stay focused and productive.

PRODUCTIVITY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

The Pomodoro Technique: A time management method, the technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
Self-affirmations: According to Heathline.com, affirmations can help strengthen self-worth by boosting both your positive opinion of yourself and your confidence in your ability to achieve your goals. They can also help counter the feelings of panic, stress, and self-doubt that often accompany anxiety.
Support system: Having a strong support system gives you a group of people that you can go to for assistance with your issues. Besides family and friends, Scoping International has a student forum and one-on-one calls to give you the support you need, when you need it.

Whether you have the extra time because you are out of work or you’ve set time aside to work on the course, there is no need to feel overwhelmed as to what your future as a scopist will look like. You don’t need the best or most powerful equipment, but you will need a laptop or desktop to begin. Although the software will most likely be your biggest investment, if you don’t already own headphones, you’ll need to get those to use during the main part of the course when you begin listening to files.

Once you’ve made a commitment to yourself and registered for the full course, set time aside each day to work on it. Take advantage of the student forum and the one-to-one support calls from the Scoping International faculty. You can purchase up to two support calls with the initial complete course. These one-on-one calls are also available to purchase at any time for students of Scoping International, past or present. Step-by-step, you are moving closer to starting your new career as a scopist.

THINGS TO GET YOU STARTED

Laptop or Desktop
Headphones
Software

Before you can officially start your own scoping business this year, you will need to find clients. You are probably wondering how to get work in your new field. As a scopist, you are self-employed, but at the same time, you are dependent on work flowing from various court reporters. Some scopists work for one court reporter and others take work from a variety of court reporters.

Typically, scopists get work through their networks. Networking for a scopist looks a little different than most jobs, especially if you are new to the online job market. Initially, you will be connected with the faculty at Scoping International, and that is the beginning of your network. The faculty will get to know your strengths through the course and any one-on-one calls you book.

Once you get your first job, it is imperative that you do the best job you can. This court reporter will be your personal advertising agent. Word of mouth is huge in this industry, as scopists are usually the unseen and unheard freelancers working behind the scenes.

HOW TO FIND CLIENTS

Job Boards
Networking
Referrals

As you begin your career as a scopist, stay connected with us. We are here to support you all the way. Our goal is to create a network of modern scopists on the cutting edge of industry standards. Starting your scoping business this year starts with successfully finishing the Complete Scoping Course. Are you ready to take step one of starting your own scoping business? Start our signature scoping course today.