This interview was originally conducted sometime in 2010.  It has been part of The Transcriptionists Profiles, a series of interviews with people who are working as transcriptionists. 

In this article, I will feature my interview with Carey Suante. Welcome to the interview. Thank you for taking interest of this opportunity.

Carey Suante: Thank you for the opportunity.

Archie: To start, can you please tell me your current designation or level as a transcriptionist? (e.g. senior MT)? What is your location? Where are you presently connected?

Carey Suante: Right now I work with one of the Big 4s as an senior administrator. I used to be an Asst Team Leader in a Transcription company. I am from New Delhi, India.

Archie: How long have you been working as a transcriptionist? How did you start in this profession? What are the factors that prompted you to pursue a career in this field?

Carey Suante: I started working as a legal transcriptionist in 2005. I actually had to find a job real quick when my father passed away in a road accident. So I sort of stumbled into transcription without really knowing what I got into! But somehow it worked out fine for me. I have always been good in studies and so transcription was not hard at all. In fact, I enjoy it a lot. So when I got into this transcription company I learnt everything I can about transcription as fast as I could. I was promoted to proofreader/QC within 6 months and within 2 years made it to Asst Team Leader. I just love it. In fact, I even blog about transcription on www.TranscriptionPro.net and other sites.

Archie: Which do you prefer: to work home based or in an office setting? Please explain briefly

Carey Suante: I love both. If you work in an office setting for someone else, the pay is guaranteed which is lovely. When you work at home as a freelancer, finding clients is a hurdle. And, there are so many freelancers who are willing to work for peanuts. I think transcriptionist should start taking their skill serious. Anyway, I work fulltime; I freelance parttime.

Archie: Which among these transcription work most appeal to your interest: Medical, General (Business, podcasts, interviews), or Legal Transcription.

Carey Suante: I love podcast transcription because of the topics usually online business related. But for business, I would pick legal transcription any time. I have done lots of different transcriptions but generally speaking legal transcription suits me more.

Archie: What, for you, is the most important characteristic or quality to become an effective and productive transcriptionist?

Carey Suante: Never stop learning - especially, about new things. After working as a fulltime transcriptionist for over 2 years I started freelancing on the side because I want to learn the business side of transcription. I learnt to set up WordPress blogs, write blog posts, use Social Media for lead generation and participate in online discussions. In fact, I converted a blogger to a long-term client just by comment on his blog!

Archie: Being a seasoned transcriptionist, what do you think is the best advice you can give to people who are interested to enter this field?

Carey Suante: Manage your own career. No one cares more about your career than you. You are the best judge of what's best for you. Read widely - a lot! Again never ever stop learning new things.

Archie: Thank you for your time.

You can visit the company website of Carey Suante here at https://transcriptionpro.net/.