Michelle Barclay: Thank you so much for letting me interview you for the Georgia Courts Journal. Let’s talk about your current position and how you came to join us at the Judicial Council/AOC.
Dylan Long: Currently, I am a research analyst here at the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts. I graduated from UGA last spring and began applying for jobs. I saw a part-time data analyst position posted for APRA and I applied. I had a great interview and joined the team on October 16, 2023. I’ve learned a lot on the job, including what the AOC does and a lot about the State of Georgia. I did not envision myself working for the government but I am so glad I am doing this. I’ve become deeply interested in the work that we are doing to help move along serious felony cases, the backlog caused by the pandemic, the legal aspects of the job, and court operations. In December, a research analyst position opened up and I was encouraged by some AOC staff to apply so, with their support, I did. I started my new job on December 1st and it has been great. I enjoy what I do–working with SQL, Excel, dashboards, and more. And, my colleagues are wonderful people. This work has been a blessing for me.
MB: What’s your favorite part of your job?
Dylan Long: I think my favorite part is just being able to go into SQL or polling to look at data. I like just being able to go into a database and connect the data with what people are requesting. The end goal is to help people get and understand the data. It’s very fulfilling.
MB: Did you set any new goals for yourself for 2024?
Dylan Long: Not really. My goal for now is just to continue working here and to further my career. I’ll see where it takes me. I want to continue to grow and learn. I want to be a lifelong learner.
MB: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Dylan Long: I play soccer. I have played since I was four. It’s a passion of mine. I don’t know where I’d be today without soccer. It had such a big impact on my life. Soccer introduced me to so many people in my life, taught me discipline, and how to socialize. I am grateful to have played the sport and it keeps me grounded. I also love Disney movies and I”m a big Marvel fan. My favorite movie is Cars. When I read, it’s mostly about sports and I love to watch baseball, football, soccer, and fantasy football.