CLATSKANIE, Ore.-Wauna FCU has developed a "Career Advancement Program" (CAP) to identify and develop employees as potential members of its future executive management team.
CAP is described as an "honors program" that prepares graduates for future opportunities within the credit union. Employees must apply to participate and will be responsible for managing their own progress, and must complete self-paced studies using WFCU-owned training programs, attend WFCU meetings and training sessions relevant to the position they are preparing for through CAP, job shadow and work with mentors, and attend relevant external training programs.
Upon successful completion of the CAP, participants will be eligible for some or all of the following:
- Tuition reimbursement for post secondary education.
- A $500 cash bonus and a certificate of completion.
- Participation in a graduation ceremony and recognition in local media.
- Access to external continued training pertinent to their job position.
- Opportunities to attend WFCU leadership and management training programs and an opportunity to apply for relevant job positions as they become available.
Jennifer Ramsey, a consumer loan officer and member service representative for Wauna FCU, has been named the first participant in CAP.
Credit Union Journal: How did you come to join Wauna FCU?
Ramsey: Wauna FCU opened a branch in my home town of Vernonia, Ore. I opened an account and have been a member since. I actually worked at Washington Mutual Bank at the time. But I noticed a difference in atmosphere between the institutions.
One day I went into the credit union and asked if there were any open positions available, and sure enough the teller working at the time was a friend of a friend. I have been with Wauna since.
CUJ: What prompted you to apply to the Career Advancement Program at Wauna? Do you wish to go into credit union management?
Ramsey: I have always been interested in the different areas of the credit union, even just to help in another department and learn about other areas that help the credit union. For myself, I really wanted to get more into lending. So, when Wauna announced the Career Advancement Program I acknowledged it as a great opportunity to learn. Not only to learn, but to gain experience within the credit union.
CUJ: What has been your experience in CAP?
Ramsey: Excellent! I have learned so much in consumer lending. I have been working as a part-time consumer lender and am really enjoying the experience. I am really eager to grow and learn so much more in this area. Hopefully I will learn more about mortgage lending and become expert in that area as well.
