From Intern to Impact: How Jordan Found His Place in the IT Division - St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller

From Intern to Impact: How Jordan Found His Place in the IT Division Most people may not see Jordan during their day at the Clerk’s Office. But while much of his work happens behind the scenes, it’s critical to the mission of the Office. From managing user access to maintaining critical databases, Jordan helps keep the systems running that partner agencies rely on every day. His work ensures that court and other critical data remains secure, accurate, and accessible to the people who need it. Jordan did not plan to land in local government IT. But a simple internship turned into a career that keeps growing. It all started with a chance opportunity. A Shot in the Dark Jordan had recently finished his Associate of Science degree in Computer Programming and Analysis from St. Johns River State College. It was the middle of the COVID era, and job opportunities were uncertain. An uncle who worked in local government in another state suggested reaching out to government offices for internships. At the same time, Jordan’s sister knew someone who worked at the Clerk’s Office, and he decided to take a chance. “I didn’t even think it would be IT,” Jordan says. “I figured I would just take a shot in the dark at whatever internship they had.” Jordan landed in the IT department. What was supposed to be a short internship quickly became something more. Learning the Systems Jordan began by working closely with mentor and IT colleague, Sheila. Much of the early work focused on learning Benchmark, the court case management system. Jordan studied the workflow step by step. The job involved managing user accounts, supporting internal staff, and setting up access for outside users such as attorneys. It was a different environment from the programming classes Jordan had studied in school. “We work a lot in databases,” Jordan explains. “So it was a little bit of a different speed.” The internship was extended for several weeks. Then, just before it ended, Jordan received unexpected news. The team asked if he would consider joining them permanently. “They told me that although it wasn’t exactly what I had done before, they saw I was flexible and willing to learn,” Jordan says. A Role That Keeps Expanding At first, the job was focused on a small set of responsibilities tied to Benchmark. As Jordan gained experience, new systems and responsibilities were added. Soon the work expanded into multiple platforms, including Landmark and TaxSmart. Many of the tasks revolve around the health of the Office’s data. That includes fixing corrupted records, resolving image issues, and maintaining accurate information for public access. “It started with maybe three things,” Jordan says. “Now it’s more like ten.” The growth came from curiosity and initiative. Jordan actively pursued training, including database related courses. The support from the team in IT made a big difference. “They’ve given me a lot of resources to grow,” Jordan says. “This is probably the best job I’ve ever had.” A Team Effort Behind the Scenes Even though many IT tasks happen behind a desk, the work is highly collaborative. Jordan works closely with colleagues across the IT department. Some issues require coordination between database systems, networks, and desktop support. For example, a problem that appears to be software related might actually be a network issue. Other times, server access is required from the system administrator. “It’s like a web,” Jordan says. “Sometimes several people have to work together to fix a problem.” Jordan also works closely with Sheila to maintain documentation and shared knowledge. Together they have built a detailed reference guide for managing the databases. Supporting the Courts and the Community Jordan’s work does not just serve internal staff. It supports a wide range of outside users. Judges, attorneys, and local government agencies all rely on the Clerk’s systems to manage cases and records. Security is a constant priority. Access permissions must be carefully controlled. “It’s a security issue,” Jordan explains. “We have to maintain security across the board.” The systems also serve the public, so they can access court records online. Jordan understands that not everyone is comfortable with digital tools and, when possible, he tries to go the extra mile to help. Sometimes that means guiding people through online processes. Other times it means letting them know they can visit the courthouse for in-person help. A Commute That’s Worth It Originally from DeLand in Volusia County, Jordan currently lives in Satsuma, Putnam County, and commutes about an hour to work each day. Despite the drive, Jordan says the work environment makes it worthwhile. “I haven’t even thought about trying to work somewhere closer,” Jordan says. “The team here is great.” Life Outside the Office Outside of work, Jordan has a wide range of interests. Some are classic. Others are unexpected. Jordan enjoys vintage-style craftsmanship and collects watches, a hobby known as horology. Polishing leather shoes and appreciating American-made goods are also part of the mix. At the same time, Jordan has been skateboarding for most of his life. “It’s kind of a dynamic mix,” Jordan says with a laugh. An avid gamer who has competed in online tournaments, building custom computers is another long-time hobby. But his real pride is in sharing life with his fiancé and future stepdaughter. Their next big goal is buying a home. A Career Built on Curiosity Jordan’s journey shows how opportunity, curiosity, and teamwork can shape a career. What began as a short internship has grown into a vital role supporting systems used by courts, agencies, and the public every day. And Jordan is still learning. “I started small,” Jordan says. “I just kept wanting to learn more.”