"There is no calling which affords such an opening for young men who are just starting out in life, as that of shorthand. The demand for stenographers is so great in the Government department that it seems impossible to supply it.”— E. V. Murphy, Official Reporter, U. S. Senate. What Mr. Murphy says of the demand for male stenographers in the various departments of the Government is true in corporation service and in other industrial and commercial lines of work. Railroads and other corporations are on the look-out for bright young men and women who can write shorthand and operate the typewriter with speed and accuracy. Such young people are not only offered positions at good pay, but they enjoy opportunities for advancement which are superior to other openings in the business world. A Stepping Stone The young shorthand writer, who has the necessary educational qualifications and discovers in himself the ability to do rapid writing, and who will devote his time and energy to a thorough preparation for the work, can soon find employment in the reporting field. This, however, is the highest class of work in the shorthand profession, and those who are able to do this work can command salaries equal to those paid to professional men in other lines. But there are many young men and women who do not possess the special qualifications necessary to succeed as professional shorthand reporters, yet they may have unusual initiative and business ability. To such young people, shorthand becomes the best and surest means of gaining an entrance into the world of business. There is hardly a business house that does not employ one or more stenographers. The competent stenographer not only receives a fair compensation for his services, but he enjoys excellent opportunities to learn the business in which his employer is engaged. All correspondence relative to the business goes through his hands. If he is alive he will soon become familiar with the most intricate details of the business. If he is trustworthy and capable, his responsibilities gradually increase until he is found at the top. Several Samples To the members of the New York Commercial Teachers' Association Mr. William B. Curtis said: "It is this capacity for embracing the advantages that their work afforded them that accounts for so many young men who began as stenographers, attaining high success in other fields. It is this that accounts for Secretary Cortelyou's being now in the President's cabinet. It is this that accounts for Mr. Loeb's now occupying the highly responsible and honorable position of Secretary to the President. Many of our successful lawyers to day were formerly stenographers, who, in that capacity, took full advantage of their opportunities. Many of our best newspaper men today are ex-stenographers, who cultivated literary ability as a result of their shorthand labors. Many of our great captains of industry hold their present commanding positions in the business world because of the familiarity with the business that they gained while engaged in stenographic work." Aside from its professional importance, shorthand is of superior value as a means for the improvement and discipline of the mental faculties. It trains the memory, the attention, and the imagination; it develops self-control, and rapidity of thought and action. The value of such a training cannot be overestimated, no matter what line of work the student may take up in the future. A Means of Method of Time Required to Learn A new method of teaching the art has been adopted. A visit to the classes at work is respectfully suggested to all inquirers. Advanced students are classified into three grades, while the beginners have a department for themselves. All receive the benefits of both CLASS and INDIVIDUAL instruction, each student being required to take at least one dictation class and one individual recitation class. As in the acquirement of any other practical art, the student's progress in the study of shorthand will depend upon previous educational advantages as well as upon natural aptitude for rapid mental work; and since mental and physical capacity differ in individuals, the time required to master shorthand will vary. Proficiency is the only basis of promotion, and no student is held back when he is ready for a higher grade. Some mature students are able to do satisfactory work as business amanuenses in five or six months, but as a rule such students are especially adapted to this class of work, and have had some high school training. To hold the best paying positions, stenographers must possess not only a fair speed in shorthand and typewriting, but they must have a practical knowledge of English grammar, business correspondence, and spelling. These subjects are included in the shorthand course, and students who are not proficient in them will not be recommended for positions. It is sometimes supposed that the acquirement of shorthand writing is an easy task, and that with a little study anyone can become an expert. This is a mistake. It is true that the principles of shorthand are soon learned, but it takes time to acquire skill in their use. The doctor, the lawyer, and other professional men devoted years of study and First-class 16 |