How Starting at a Credit Union as a High School Student Shaped My Career
While attending high school, I started working part-time as a teller at my local credit union. This opportunity not only provided me with valuable financial and social skills, but it also allowed me to maintain a healthy balance between work, school, and spending time with friends during my evenings and weekends.
The experience I gained while working at a credit union laid the foundation for my future career. After graduating from Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting and Finance, I continued to pursue my passion for credit unions. I transitioned into the role of a consumer loan officer and have now spent over six and a half years working in various positions within the credit union system.
The early exposure I had to the industry was pivotal in shaping my understanding of both personal and business finance. Working as a high school coop student and in-between classes during college gave me a unique opportunity to engage with real-life financial situations. I wasn’t just learning theory—I was helping members make sound financial decisions and gaining hands-on knowledge that I couldn’t have received in a traditional classroom setting. These experiences were incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally, and they helped me develop meaningful connections within my community.
I believe that working in a credit union setting offers invaluable lessons that can set future generations up for both professional and personal success. It teaches practical financial skills that traditional classrooms don’t always cover, such as how to manage credit, make sound investment decisions, and plan for long-term financial security.
For anyone considering a career in banking or finance, I highly recommend looking into credit unions. The opportunities for growth and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives are what make the credit union industry truly special.
