Consider an Internship or Volunteer Opportunity with the Clerk’s Office!
In last month’s Clerk’s Report, I discussed my 20 plus years of commitment to educating the youth of Collier County about the important role government plays in our community, and how rewarding careers in public service can be. As Clerk, I have expanded our office’s engagement with college and high school students by offering internship and volunteer opportunities within the Clerk’s Office.
Our internship program gives students to chance to understand how local government impacts the lives of Collier County residents, while providing hands-on experience in essential areas of public service. With students’ busy schedules in mind, we offer flexible hours, allowing participants to work as many or as few hours as their schedules allow. Internship opportunities are available in the following departments:
- Courts
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Inspector General
- Recording
By participating in a Clerk’s Office internship, you will:
- Gain practical experiences and improve your skills
- Increase your awareness of public service career opportunities
- Build valuable connections for your future career
- Enhance your professional resume with critical experience
- Potentially transition from internship to permanent employment
We have had many successful internships, but one that was not the prototypical internship was a group of law students that interned in the Courts department. Their internship was not spent researching and writing briefs but was spent being exposed to the courts from behind the scenes. They were able to interact with judges, see what happens to legal actions once they are filed, the dos and don’ts of filing actions, and observe court sessions to gain valuable insight on how they operate.
Another successful internship was Betty Lind. Betty interned in the Office of Inspector General. Upon completion of her internship, Betty was hired as a part-time Inspector General Technician to assist with an Inspector General project and upon graduation, was promoted to a full-time Inspector General Analyst. To hear more about Betty’s journey, click here.
Volunteer Program: Giving Back to Your Community
For individuals of all ages, volunteering in the Clerk’s Office is another way to contribute to your community and gain insight into the work of local government. Whether you are retired, a student, or simply passionate about public service, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including:
- Information booth – Help direct and assist visitors to the Clerk’s Office
- Legal research – Assist the Courts Department by providing legal research support
- Record retention – Help scan and maintain records for compliance and community assess
- Jury services – Support jurors by greeting, assisting, and escorting them during their duties
Our volunteer program, which initially engaged our senior community, has grown to include people from various walks of life, including those looking to give back or develop professional skills.
Look at what our volunteers are saying about their time at the Clerk’s Office:
“I started volunteering for the Collier County Clerk of Court in December 2021. After three years of retirement, I decided it was time to use some of my work experience. The experience has been rewarding and everyone has been very welcoming. I have been able to volunteer in different departments of the organization and have enjoyed learning about the government operations.” ~ Kim Porter
“I began volunteering with the Clerk of Court after relocation to Southwest Florida earlier this year. Volunteering is a great way to use my legal experience to support my new community – and observing interesting hearings and trials keeping things fun. I continue to be impressed at the good work behind done around the court and am proud to be part of it.” ~ Katrina Miller
Volunteering is not just for our senior community. We have had many high school students join our team to gain valuable community service credits. These hours can contribute to Florida Bright Futures Scholarships and other academic scholarship opportunities.
If you or someone you know are passionate about public service, eager to gain valuable experience, or simply want to give back to the community, consider applying for an internship or volunteer position with the Clerk’s Office today. Please visit the Clerk’s Career page to apply for one of these opportunities.