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. Kirsty L. Hallett of Access Credit Union is a three-time CUIC graduate with accreditations in member service representation, financial service representation, and consumer and residential mortgage lending. Congratulations!

We asked Kirsty 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?

I really enjoyed the opportunity to step back from my day-to-day responsibilities and look at the bigger picture of the credit union system. The programs helped me broaden my knowledge, strengthen my leadership skills, and connect with others who share similar goals and challenges.

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

Completing both my CUIC accreditations and CICEA designation has helped me develop in my current role by strengthening my knowledge, expanding my perspective, and giving me greater confidence in my daily role. The learning has been valuable both professionally and personally.

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

They have strengthened my knowledge, increased my confidence in my role, and helped prepare me for greater responsibilities. The skills and insights I gained continue to support me every day as I support the Estate & Registered Plan Administration team.

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

My CUIC accreditation has helped me better understand the bigger picture, which has improved how I support members and work with colleagues. It has given me greater confidence in my conversations, strengthened my problem-solving skills, and helped me build stronger working relationships across the organization.

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

My CUIC accreditation and CICEA designation have helped me better support our local community by strengthening my knowledge and enabling me to provide members and their families with informed guidance and support during important life events.

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

My advice would be to take the first step and get started. The courses may seem like a big commitment at first, but each one builds on your knowledge and confidence. I found that the learning was practical and directly applicable to my role, making it a worthwhile investment in both my personal and professional growth.

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

I can champion continuous learning by leading by example, sharing my experiences, and encouraging others to take advantage of learning and development opportunities.

Congratulations again to Kirsty on such wonderful achievements and dedication to continuous learning! 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.