Northern Community Bank member services officer Martyna recently joined seven other young professionals from various credit unions around the country to start this year’s CU Futures programme. Martyna participated in a Q & A session with the Credit Union Foundation, who in partnership with ABCUL organise and run the exciting programme that aims to develop young people in the credit union movement.
What’s a typical day in a community bank?
A typical day for me is a busy office environment. All three offices work tirelessly for our members, with requests such as loan applications, opening accounts, deposits withdrawals, or any general queries that members have and a lot more!
What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?
Helping people that need us the most is what I find most satisfying about my job. Community banks are there for its communities and we try and help all types of people, anyone is welcome to use it. I can offer help to the Polish community in my area, or for those not comfortable with the English language.
What do you like and not like about working in this industry?
It allows our members to have a financial stability that they deserve, also being treated fairly and equally. Truthfully, I don’t think there’s anything I dislike about this industry.
How would you describe this job to a child?
My job is all about helping people. If they need money, they come to us. If they want to save money, they also come to us. I help as much as I can.
What are you hoping to achieve from the CU Futures course in the next year?
I want to grow and learn as much as possible in this sector. Northern Community Bank continues to thrive in our community, for me to bring something new and useful to my community bank to add to our growth and better our service to members would be a great personal achievement.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting off in the credit union sector?
To further your career, grab any opportunity that is given to you!
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, what two items would you want to have with you?
A boat! It just makes the most sense to take a boat. Preferably something fancy like a yacht, can’t go wrong with a bit of luxury whilst surviving. The second item would have to be a big comfy pillow. Go big or go home right? I need some good sleep to function properly.
What would your autobiography be called?
‘I’ll do it tomorrow’
Everyone has a good app idea. What’s yours?
An app to find anything that I’ve lost! That would make my life much easier. For example, my keys, I swear they were on the counter just 5 seconds ago and now they’ve ran off.
Martyna is a great addition to the team at Northern Community Bank and we are all fully behind her with her CU Futures studies!
