CCUA is always proud to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our learners who go above and beyond to earn multiple Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC) accreditations. Vanessa Lawrence of Lake View Credit Union is a CUIC multi-graduate with accreditations in consumer and residential mortgage lending, and is an associate of the institute. It's so awesome to see such dedication in our learners.

We asked Vanessa a few questions about her journey with CUIC, and here's what she had to say:

What did you enjoy most about your CUIC accreditation journey?

What I enjoyed most about my CUIC accreditation journey was the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my understanding of the credit union system. It challenged me to think more strategically, broadened my perspective, and gave me greater confidence in applying what I learned to support both my team and our members.

Were there any courses, facilitators, or connections that helped shape your experience or career growth?

I found the group discussions and questions to be extremely valuable. They provided insight into how other credit unions operate and exposed me to different perspectives and approaches to common challenges. Those interactions helped broaden my thinking and gave me practical ideas that I could apply in my own role.

Overall, I would say the lending accreditation program, in particular, significantly strengthened my knowledge, skills, and abilities. The learning and experience gained throughout the journey have helped me grow professionally and increased my confidence in supporting both members and my team.

What impact have these accreditations or credentials had on your career so far?

The learning gained through the programs gave me a deeper understanding of lending principles, risk assessment, and member-focused financial solutions, which increased my confidence and effectiveness in serving members. The knowledge I gained has also enabled me to train, mentor, and support others on my team. Being able to share what I've learned and help develop similar skills to my colleagues has been a rewarding part of my career growth.

In addition, the accreditations have contributed to my progression into leadership roles. The skills, knowledge, and broader understanding of the credit union system helped prepare me for increased responsibilities, ultimately supporting my advancement into management and my current role as Branch Manager. They have provided a strong foundation for both my individual success and my ability to contribute to the success of my team and organization.

Have there been any specific instances in which something you learned through CUIC training aided you with a member or colleague?

The lending accreditation, in particular, strengthened my understanding of lending principles, risk assessment, and members' needs, which has helped me confidently navigate more complex lending situations and provide sound recommendations. It's also given me the knowledge and confidence to coach, train, and mentor team members, helping them develop their own skills and understanding. Whether explaining lending concepts, assisting with decision-making, or offering guidance on member solutions, I have regularly been able to draw on what I learned from the accreditation programs.

Has CUIC training strengthened your relationship to your community? If so, how?

Yes, I believe CUIC training has strengthened my relationship with the community. The knowledge and skills I gained through the accreditation programs have helped me build credibility and establish a strong reputation within the community. As my expertise and confidence grew, I became a trusted resource for members seeking advice, guidance, and solutions for their financial needs.

The training has also helped me better understand how to identify and meet member needs, allowing me to provide more meaningful support and build stronger relationships. Over time, this has enabled me to become a "go-to" person for many of our members, which has been both personally rewarding and beneficial to the credit union.

What advice would you give to any future or current CUIC learners?

My advice to current and future CUIC learners would be to embrace the journey and take full advantage of the learning opportunities available. While completing an accreditation can seem like a significant commitment, the knowledge and skills you gain are well worth the effort and can benefit you throughout your career.

I would also encourage learners to actively participate in discussions and connect with their peers. Some of the most valuable insights come from hearing how other credit unions operate and learning about different approaches to serving members and solving challenges.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and lean on your instructors and fellow learners for support. In my experience, the facilitators were knowledgeable and always willing to help.

Finally, be patient with yourself and focus on continuous growth rather than just completing the program. The learning builds over time, and you'll often find yourself applying concepts long after a course has ended. The investment you make in your development can open doors to new opportunities, strengthen your confidence, and help prepare you for future leadership roles.

In what ways are you planning to continue to champion continuous learning in the sector?

Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand how ongoing learning builds confidence, strengthens skills, and creates new opportunities for growth. I enjoy sharing knowledge, coaching others, and helping team members identify learning opportunities that will support both their personal and professional goals.

As a Branch Manager, I also aim to foster a culture where learning is valued and encouraged. This includes mentoring staff, providing guidance based on my own experiences, and helping team members apply new knowledge in practical ways.

I believe continuous learning is essential in our industry, as member needs, products, regulations, and technologies continue to evolve. By staying engaged in learning myself and encouraging others to do the same, I can help ensure our team remains knowledgeable, adaptable, and well-positioned to provide exceptional service to our members.

Most importantly, I hope to lead by example. By pursuing my own professional development and sharing what I've learned with colleagues, I can help inspire others to invest in their growth and continue building expertise within the credit union sector.

Congratulations to Vanessa on leading by example and being such an advocate for professional development! We are so excited to see what you do next.

Interested in learning about accreditations? Check out our certification training page or reach out to clientsolutions@ccua.com for next steps.