Alumni Spotlight – Brittney Hermann

Brittney graduated from MTI College’s Medical Assisting program in October 2014. Being fresh out of high school, Brittney did not know what it was she wanted to do yet, so she began working. On one particular day, she was getting frustrated with not having a specific direction, so she started doing some research. When she was looking online, she found MTI College and scheduled a tour right away. While exploring the campus, Brittney immediately realized how friendly the atmosphere was. She met a few people there – some teachers, some students – and everyone seemed very open and friendly, something she confirmed remained true throughout her entire program. “I liked what they had to offer and I signed up that day,” Brittney explained. Medical Assisting was an easy choice for her, as well. “It was something already in the back of my head and based on my grandpa’s health at the time. He influenced me to want to do something better for other people.”

Prior to enrolling at MTI College, Brittney was working two jobs. She worked with her family’s catering business and was a cashier at a thrift store as well. After doing that for about 1 ½ – 2 years, Brittney became pregnant with her daughter. This major life event helped in gaining some career perspective. She quit the thrift store and decided to go to school. Brittney explained how much of a positive impact going to MTI College had. She described the experience as positive, the teachers as awesome, her fellow classmates as amazing and overall never having an issue. “They were there for the students, to make sure you succeed, which was encouraging.” She went on to explain how much there is to learn in the medical field, so to have that support was invaluable. One teacher in particular, Dr. Laura Balangue, really left an impression. She taught Brittney’s courses that focused on clinicals, injections and drawing of blood.  Brittney loved the clinical aspect of her schooling because it was more than just learning from a textbook. It was hands-on and fun. “Dr. Laura was the life of the program. I was super excited to find out she was going to be my professor for a couple of classes. She was vibrant and fun. You had to stick people with needles and she made it less scary.” Despite school being difficult or frustrating at times, Brittney explained that “the teachers made you want to learn, they made you excited to go to school. I loved the teachers. They are worth going for.”

Upon graduation from MTI College, Brittney began working in a psychiatric office as a front desk medical assistant, where she still works today. It is a small private practice. Patients come to the office to check in with their progress and also if they need medication. There are four doctors in the office and six medical assistants. Brittney’s role is to work solely with one of the doctors to help with those particular patients. Her specific responsibilities each day are to check patients in and out and to run medications through insurance. It is common for a variety of matters with insurance to arise so she will sometimes have to do authorizations, about 20 a day. She also schedules new patients, completes intake interviews over the phone and creates patient dictations, which are summaries for the doctor to have on hand. She also spends much of her time working together with insurance companies and pharmacies. The best part of her job? Her patients and co-workers. “I feel very lucky to have a job where everyone I work with gets along. It’s awesome, we’re all best friends. My patients are the sweetest people you would ever meet. It’s home away from home honestly.”

Brittney’s current position was actually one of the first jobs she applied to. MTI College sent her resume to the employer, she got called in for two interviews and then received the position. “It was the first job they sent me and the first job I was able to land.” MTI also helped Brittney feel equipped in other ways. “MTI prepared me with professionalism, how to talk to patients in certain situations and how to go about things in a professional manner.” Her life has not been the same since. Initially it was an adjustment to get used to working four days a week, ten hours each day. However, now she loves it because she has more time with her family. Before MTI, Brittney felt like she did not have much direction. “I was just kind of in a whirlwind of not knowing what I wanted to do yet. I just graduated high school a few months before. I was tired of waking up and not doing anything, going to work for four hours, then coming home and not doing anything again. I wanted to do more. I was bored.” Now life for Brittney is much more fulfilling. “It’s awesome. I have a kid, a boyfriend of five years and a job. I feel a lot more responsible. This job is the dream job.” With a little more reflection, Brittney powerfully adds, “I finally found my place.”

Future plans for Brittney are still to be determined because for right now, she is enjoying the ride. She loves being able to spend time with her boyfriend and 2 ½ year old daughter, Athena. She also has a passion for party planning and does a great deal of that for her friends and family on the side. It is something she likes to do because it is fun and brings family together. “I’m all about family,” she explained. One thing Brittney knows for certain is that working in the mental health field has always been an interest of hers. She currently works with mental health patients right now and views it as a great foot in the door for something even bigger eventually. “I can work in a mental health hospital or something still to do with the psychiatric field. So hopefully something along the way will happen.” Since she is so successful and has such an incredible work-life balance, let’s take her words of wisdom to heart. “I would definitely say keep up with the studies and definitely take what the teachers are teaching you seriously. Enjoy the school, the people you’re around. Take it to heart that you’re meeting awesome people and they are a part of your journey. Enjoy your ride during MTI and good luck!”

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How to Handle Working for Multiple Attorneys When You’re a Paralegal

If you have made the choice to enroll in the MTI paralegal studies program, you know that in just two years or less you can be out looking for a job in the fascinating legal world. With paralegal MTI training, you will have gained the essential background you need for that important first opportunity.

As a graduate of the MTI paralegal studies program, you could find yourself working in the legal department of a corporation, for a government agency or in a law firm assisting attorneys and performing many of the same duties. Depending on where that first job lands you, you could find yourself supporting multiple lawyers simultaneously.

Do you have what it takes? Let us find out.

You must be an organizational wizard.

Since every piece of data is important in a legal case, knowing where to find it at a moment’s notice is crucial. To be a successful paralegal working for multiple attorneys, organizational skills should be second nature to you. In addition to having your own files and documents organized, you are going to need to keep your attorneys organized as well. They often are extremely busy and expect you to step up and oversee the details. You need to be able to keep them focused and at ease so they can do what they need to do. This means being able to manage your workflow and theirs in a sufficient and timely manner. Being well organized is also key to reducing job stress.

You must be a multi-tasker extraordinaire.

The legal world is fast-paced, and working as a paralegal requires being very detail-minded. When you are a paralegal, your duties can include:

• Searching research databases to find case law and legal precedents
• Drafting legal documents using litigation software
• Interviewing and communicating with clients
• Assisting with trial preparation and depositions

Keep in mind that if you are working for multiple attorneys, each one is looking for you to complete those duties. That is a lot of time-sensitive work that requires being able to multi-task. You may have to schedule an appointment for one, prepare trial notes for another or just jump in and help with whatever needs to be done.

If you embrace technology, your firm has likely adopted task management software or apps to help you manage your deadlines. Some email programs, such as Gmail and Outlook, already have task management built into the software. Sticky notes, manual calendars and notes are also useful aids but remember all data must be entered into the software for the other legal professionals within your firm to view the information.  You never rely solely on sticky notes or a manual calendar to manage each project.

You must be a diplomat with a strong backbone.

Let us say you work for three attorneys. Each is going to have a different personality and probably a different work style. The common denominator is that all three think their cases or tasks for you, the paralegal, are the most important. You know you can organize and multi-task, but at some point, you are going to have to be assertive and let them know that maybe Lawyer B’s task is more urgent than Lawyer C’s. Ask each attorney what task is most pressing and when it must be completed. Do not be afraid to tell them if something else is taking precedence. With your good organizational skills and ability to multi-task, you will be able to handle it all.

Keep in mind that your day-to-day activities may also include interacting with clients, witnesses, court personnel, attorneys from other firms and work colleagues. Staying professional and diplomatic is essential — even when personalities clash or you are under pressure.

You must be an excellent communicator.

When working for multiple attorneys, you will have projects with competing deadlines. One attorney might give you very clear instructions, whereas another might just scribble a note. You will need to use your best listening skills and ask questions to get a clear picture of what is expected of you. As you get to know each attorney’s style and preferences, you will figure out the best way to communicate with them to deliver what they have requested. Never be afraid to ask questions for clarification and always remember to write down the answer to your question.  Attorneys welcome questions as long as you do not keep asking the same question!

The MTI College Paralegal Studies program prepares you with the education you need to gain an entry-level paralegal job. That, plus your perseverance, dedication and personality traits, can prepare you to work for multiple attorneys.

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https://www.mticollege.edu/paralegal-skillsets/