What does it really take to keep a community running?

Ten University of Florida students recently had the opportunity to find out during a Career Trek Job Shadow experience with the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office. Throughout the day, students shadowed professionals across multiple departments, explored courtroom proceedings, attended public meetings, and learned how public service professionals support residents every day.

For many students, the experience challenged assumptions about what careers in government and public administration actually look like.

Seeing the Human Side of Public Service

Several students observed court proceedings and witnessed firsthand how legal decisions affect individuals and families. One student reflected on the difference between reading about cases in class and seeing the realities unfold in a courtroom.

“It’s completely different than reading it in a book. You understand it academically, but seeing real people, hearing the conversations, and watching the process happen gave me a much deeper understanding of how personal and impactful this work is.”

Students also gained a greater appreciation for the extensive preparation, documentation, and collaboration that happens behind the scenes to support court operations.

Learning That Every Role Matters

From customer care and records management to public affairs, jury services, criminal intake, and the Inspector General’s office, students discovered the wide range of career paths available within local government.

One participant who shadowed the Customer Care division described the experience as eye-opening:

“Every person who came in had a completely different situation, and the staff had to treat everyone with professionalism and respect. It showed me the highest level of customer service.”

Others were surprised by the scope and complexity of departments they had never considered before. Students learned how public affairs professionals communicate with residents, how records teams maintain historical documents dating back more than 200 years, and how auditing and compliance professionals help maintain public trust and accountability.

Connecting Career Interests to Real-World Work

Students interested in law, journalism, policy, finance, accounting, and public administration all found meaningful connections between their academic interests and the professionals they shadowed.

For one student exploring careers at the intersection of policy and communications, shadowing the Public Affairs team provided valuable perspective.

“Every day is different. I was surprised by how many responsibilities fall under public affairs and how much expertise is needed to communicate and educate the community about everything happening within the organization.”

Another student interested in finance and accounting appreciated learning how auditing and oversight functions help ensure responsible stewardship of public resources.

A Greater Appreciation for Local Government

A recurring theme throughout the day was a newfound understanding of just how many services, processes, and people are involved in supporting a community.

As one student shared during the debrief:

“I didn’t realize how many parts of everyday life this office touches. From records and passports to court services and community programs, it really opened my eyes to how important this work is.”

Experiential Learning in Action

Career Treks are designed to help students explore industries and career paths through direct exposure to professionals in the workplace. By spending a day alongside employees, asking questions, and observing operations firsthand, students gain valuable insights that can help shape future career decisions.

The Career Connections Center extends its gratitude to the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office for hosting our students and providing an engaging, educational experience.

A special thank you to the many staff members who shared their time, expertise, and career journeys with our students, helping them better understand the impact and opportunities within public service careers.