Working for the weekday

Choosing a career is one of life’s most important decisions. It’s more than deciding how and where to spend your days—it’s about determining where your professional potential can be truly maximized.

With members in every corner of Atlantic Canada, we hear a lot of stories about a lot of different jobs. Some good. Some, not so good.        

We’ve heard stories about companies moving away from traditional employment models and about young people who are making multiple career moves. Pensions are a thing of the past and benefits have become mythological.

Credit unions in Atlantic Canada think rewarding careers are all about happiness and fulfillment. We specialize in helping our members manage their lives and meet their goals. We want to do the same for our employees. Job security, mobility, benefits, vacation, manageable hours, proper training and room for advancement are all important standards to ensure employees are getting the most out of their careers. If employees get the best, employees will give their best.

It’s important to us that all employees across the credit union network feel happy in their job and look forward to coming to work each and every day.

Provincial Credit Union’s Financial Services Administrator, Sarah Frid, began her career in Charlottetown 10 years ago as a front line teller. She went on to work in the role of commercial teller and was promoted to her current position in 2013.

“I was very welcomed here. I knew as soon as I started here it’s where I wanted to stay,” says Sarah. She says CuSource, the credit union’s professional development and education program, played a big role in helping advance her career from day one. “Right from the get-go I told them I wanted to make this a career, not just a temporary place to work. The team was very helpful and encouraged me to take courses to further my knowledge and skills.”

Leading Edge Credit Union financial services representative in Port-aux Basques, Martina MacDonald, says she’s excited to go into the office every day to work side-by-side with her friends. “We are very close-knit. To me, we’re like one big happy family. It’s just so easy to work here.”

Martina says she feels respected and valued at work and it’s reflected in her work arrangement. “The work hours are great. You get holidays, Christmas Eve and even your birthday off. The overall compensation package and pension means your life outside the office can be just as stable as your life inside the office.”

Elaine Robertson, assistant branch manager at the Antigonish branch of East Coast Credit Union says she’s proud of being a part of the credit union system and encourages others to begin a rewarding career where you can learn, grow and give back.

“The credit union treats its people extraordinarily well, but it’s what the credit union does for its members and its communities in terms of sound financial advice, and financial support (sponsorships, donations, scholarships, etc.) that really brings me pride,” says Elaine. “If you’re looking for a rewarding career in an environment where people come before profit, where helping comes before selling and where you can feel proud in knowing the organization for which you are employed is impacting your community in an extremely positive way, please join us!”

This year, three out of the top 30 Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada were held by Atlantic Canadian credit unions. Although we’re not surprised, we’re very proud. Congratulations to Provincial Credit Union in PEI, Leading Edge Credit Union in Newfoundland and Labrador and East Cost Credit Union in Nova Scotia on this amazing accomplishment.