We are so lucky to be part of such a collaborative industry that shares ideas and successes. I truly enjoy working for an organization that is involved with and supports credit unions. I’m always looking for ways to learn of emerging trends, improve my skills and knowledge. I’ve put together a few of the tricks I’ve picked up along the way to enhance a career in the credit union industry:
- Social networking – follow what is going on in the industry through the growing number of blogs and Web sites that provide opportunities for a free flowing exchange of ideas on our industry. Of course, Insight Vault is a favorite, but I may be a little biased! Others include www.cugrow.com and www.cuchatup.net. CO-OP is also on Twitter, so is Credit Union Times and many others. There is rich information out there; it just takes some simple investigation and online navigation.
- Network within national credit union-related associations such as CUNA and NAFCU, as well as the local chapters of your state and regional associations. Get involved!
- How often do you read our trade magazines? There is timely information and thought provoking ideas in industry-related publications such as Credit Union Journal and Credit Union Times.
- Take advantage of any training and educational opportunity your organization is offering you, whether it be in-house training, webinars or something through your state league or other institutions. It is important to always continue learning and keep your knowledge and skills up to date. There are often events that are free if your credit union has budget constraints, so always be on the lookout for those (such as CO-OP’s THINK Conference, which has been free for the past two years). I have been lucky to experience and graduate from Western CUNA Management School myself and feel it is a very worthy program.
I would be remiss if I did not also mention some of the ways you can enhance your career as it relates to job searching and interviewing within the credit union industry:
- No matter what industry or job you are searching for you always want to keep your resume current and up to date. It is also very important that on whatever Web site or social networking site where you may be sharing your knowledge, education and employment history, make sure all information there matches what is on your resume.
- When an interview is scheduled, it is important that you have done research on the company you are interviewing with and come prepared with questions regarding the position you are interviewing for and questions regarding the organization.
- Use social networking sites to keep up on job opportunities. This is a good way to brand yourself and network with other industry-related professionals. You may never know what opportunities arise. Some of the sites CO-OP uses for recruiting include LinkedIn, Twitter and, occasionally, Facebook. LinkedIn is often used to post positions on their board and various industry-related groups can also be found there, such as Credit Union Network and Credit Union Professionals Network.
- Of course, do not neglect your own professional discipline and participate in the associations, events and resources available through your professional societies.
By following these tips, you can help all of us take the credit union movement into a healthy future, and you can continue to thrive in this wonderful industry.