Continuing Education in the Credit Union Industry

Posted: Sep 25, 2024 | Author: Jessica Marin, lending manager, South Texas Federal Credit Union

professional development young professionals

Read time: 1 min, 10 secs
In the dynamic world of credit unions, ongoing education is crucial for professional growth and organizational success. Programs like cuLEAD Academy offer invaluable insights and skills designed to enhance leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge. By participating in such educational opportunities, credit union professionals not only advance their careers but also contribute to the betterment of their institutions and the communities they serve.

As young professionals entering the credit union industry for the first time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially without a financial background. Initially you might assume that banks and credit unions are the same. But soon, you discover the true essence of a credit union, embodied in the motto “People helping people,” and you begin to understand how credit unions really operate.

When I first entered the credit union industry, I had no financial background. However, my CEO saw something in me—GANAS (colloquial Spanish term for "motivation"). Starting as a teller and working my way up to lending manager, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge, met incredible people, and experienced things I never thought possible. Leveraging webinars, training, and courses has been crucial to my progress, yet I know there’s always more to learn. Learning is a lifelong journey—we never truly stop growing. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge and explore all that the credit union industry has to offer.

The Key to Success is Knowledge
Investing in yourself is the most valuable step you can take on the path to success. It’s essential to ask questions like, “why do we do it this way?” and “why can’t we try it differently?” Breaking free from the “elephant memory” mentality allows us to work smarter, not harder. Pursuing education enriches your professional life and also opens doors to endless possibilities.

Cornerstone offers numerous tools and webinars to support your professional development. It’s up to you to seize these opportunities and shape your future. Learn more about current opportunities.