Lighting the Way for Local Job Seekers
Fitting in. Being Heard. Time Management. Talent Crisis. These buzzwords are some of the top issues locally and nationally facing entry-level employees in the business. These fundamental challenges were a reoccurring topic David Deborde, Governance and Risk Manager at Members Choice CU, found within talks of community partners. Through Deborde’s experience and teachings, he developed a mentorship program at the credit union in partnership with the local university and other business organizations to meet the needs of teaching new potential employees the basics of business.
Lexi Hill and Loran Patterson, Mentee Class 2021.
Fostering career growth within our local economy will keep our progress healthy and robust. Over the past four years, MCCU Connect has mentored over 20 adults and high school students, created over 30 new jobs through capstone projects, and most notably impacted each mentee for future growth personally and professionally.
Madelyn Conn, 2022 Mentee of MCCU Connect, spoke about learning the importance of refreshing yourself and keeping a balanced self-renewal. “The group and I started going over the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” stated Conn. Conn focused on one main habit: “setting and working towards goals.”
Lexi Hill and Loran Patterson are two classmates from 2021, who found success in their academic, professional, and personal lives through MCCU Connect. “The number one thing I’ve gotten out of MCCU Connect is never to stop pushing yourself,” says mentee Loran. Lexi and Loran are now full-time members of Members Choice CU and on the path to a successful lifelong career.
The 12-week program begins with a welcome session for all participants to set the stage and encourage open and honest dialogue. From there, the group meets weekly, including guest speakers and field trips to local organizations and businesses in the community. Soft skills such as workplace communication, professional writing, interview/resume workshops, and habits of effective employees are covered, and students will have opportunities to pursue independent projects tailored to their professional interests.
“We’re proud to be helping people be successful, helping our partners achieve their goals, and helping inject lifelong lessons our partners within the community are needing,” Deborde stated. “I am a passionate advocate for mentoring as it sets a base in someone’s life to have a solid career path and advice to assist with everyday life circumstances.”
For information on how to become a mentee with MCCU Connect or how to start your program, please get in touch with David Deborde at ddeborde@mccu.net.