The Crew: MnCUN's young professionals networking group
Wanted: all professionals under the age of 35 who are looking to advance their credit union career
If the description above describes you, then you are invited to join The Crew. This group is made up of mid-level, young credit union professionals who are looking for the opportunity to grow in their career. The Crew is geared toward those new to the credit union movement or those who want to establish themselves in their profession. Crew members will learn about the credit union industry, explore options for advancement, and network with other young professionals.
Crew events are held in conjunction with MnCUN's major credit union conferences, including Credit Union Day at the Capitol and Annual Meeting. Members receive discounts off the conference admission price and will have the opportunity to experience these events in a unique way. In addition to participating in the conferences' standard activities and educational opportunities, Crew members have "special access” to speakers, legislators and other key credit union leaders, along with opportunities to participate in unique programs.
Professional Development Opportunities: 2013
Calling all participants of The Crew! The Minnesota Credit Union Network has some exicting networking and education events lined up for you this year. Here's your chance to meet new people in the industry and learn with your credit union peers! Click on the link below to download a PDF of the 2013 Crew Events Calendar. Also, watch this page for more details closer to each event date.
- May 17-18: MnCUN Annual Meeting & Convention (Bloomington) – "Coffee with the CEOs," education sessions, networking pizza party
- Aug. 7: Crew Exclusive Webinar – "Balance Sheet or Boring Sheet? Understanding Basic CreditUnion Financials”
- Oct. 8: CUNA Mutual Online Discovery Conference (free)
- Nov. 14: Crew Professional Development – education & after-hours event (Maple Grove)
The Crew on LinkedIn
Crew members and potential Crew members are invited to join the conversation online at LinkedIn. Through the LinkedIn group "Minnesota Credit Union Careers,” MnCUN provides Crew members a great venue for connecting with other young (and more veteran) credit union professionals. In addition to helping Crew members build up their credit union connections, the Minnesota Credit Union Careers group provides you a forum to ask each other questions and gather input on credit union issues.
To join the Network's LinkedIn group, click on the "Groups” tab at the top of your LinkedIn page. (If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, I encourage you to set one up. This is a great tool for connect with professionals from across the country.) On the groups page, search for "Minnesota Credit Union Careers” and then click join. As a member of the group, you'll be able to post both your own questions and your responses to other people's questions/comments.
The Crew at Annual Meeting – 2012 recap
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CUNA President & CEO Bill Cheney (left) provided young professionals career advice and insight during MnCUN’s Crew event held on April 14. |
During MnCUN's Annual Meeting & Convention on April 13-14, Crew members had the opportunity to tap into the wisdom and insight of CUNA President & CEO Bill Cheney, MnCUN President & CEO Mark Cummins, and credit union branding expert Mark Arnold providing career advice and wisdom.
During the roundtable featuring Cheney, Cummins and Arnold, Crew members asked the industry experts questions about career development, effective networking, and the lessons they've learned over the years.
When asked for his advice on how young people can grow professionally, Cheney encouraged attendees to take responsibility for their careers. He urged Crew members to find a mentor "who is willing to invest their experience in your career.” He also challenged them to strive to be industry leaders – regardless of their current position.
"Don't be afraid to be a leader,” Cheney said. "Don't be afraid to do what's right, even if it is not popular or exactly profitable.”
As he reflected on his career, Cummins urged Crew members to take full advantage of networking opportunities offered at chapter meetings and other industry events. Emphasizing the importance of pursuing and embracing challenges, Cummins stressed the value of taking risks in your career.
"Sometimes you have to take a big leap in your career – even when you don't know how it will turn out,” Cummins said.
He went on to state that career "leaps of faith” often lead people directly to where they were meant to be. Building upon Cummins advice, Arnold encouraged the young professionals to follow their passions, even if they don't know where it will take them.
In addition to the roundtable, Crew members also participated in a networking pizza party during the Annual Meeting that provided them the opportunity to connect with other young credit union professionals from around the state. Committed to developing the next generation of leaders, MnCUN will continue to provide Crew members unique programs and activities aimed at helping them grow professionally.
Questions?
With questions about the Crew, contact MnCUN's Crew Liaison at Lindsey Evans by email or at (651) 288-5170.