Credit Union Hopes to Meet Future Employees at VGCC Career Day

The State Employees’ Credit Union branch on Graham Avenue in Henderson employs several Vance-Granville Community College graduates already, so members of its staff feel strongly about reaching students at the college’s 29th annual Career Day, which will be held on Wednesday, March 28 from 9 a.m. until noon in the Civic Center on the college’s main campus in Vance County.Henderson branch manager Anna Lemert said that she has enjoyed working with Vance-Granville students, many of whom have worked part-time at the branch while in school, and some of whom have gone on to take full-time positions. Lemert noted that the credit union offers good entry-level opportunities, particularly for students who learned valuable business skills at VGCC.Daphne Wright, the branch’s Teller Services manager, will represent the credit union at Career Day 2007, as she has done in the past, and she enjoys the opportunity to learn about the goals of VGCC students. For Wright, her credit union job is not only a way to earn a living, but also a lifestyle. “I represent the credit union 24 hours a day,” she said. SECU constantly promotes training and education for its employees, according to Wright. New SECU branch managers have to hold a four-year degree, but employees who have a two-year college-transfer degree, such as those available at VGCC, and who work in the credit union for five years can enter the organization’s managerial program, as if they had a bachelor’s degree. Holding a two-year degree itself factors into salary for any employee.Wright, who is also scheduled to present a seminar on interview skills to Vance-Granville students before Career Day, said she will be looking for applicants who demonstrate professionalism and honesty. She also said that credit union jobs require diligence, attention to detail, and good communication skills.The State Employees’ Credit Union, whose stated mission is “People Helping People in North Carolina,” is a member-owned, non-profit cooperative financial institution. Membership is limited to persons who meet the eligibility requirements, including employees of state agencies, public schools and community colleges. SECU employs approximately 4,200 people at almost 200 branches across the state.SECU will join representatives of approximately 85 businesses and agencies at Career Day. This event is held each spring to give potential employers an opportunity to tell Vance-Granville graduates and potential graduates about what the companies and agencies do and about the type of workers they hire. Most companies will also accept resumes from students to keep on file. Following the morning information session, several companies will hold interview sessions for students who recently graduated or who are set to graduate in May.Vance-Granville’s Career Center, which organizes Career Day, has sent notifications to area employers about the 2007 Career Day. Companies and agencies that plan to participate should notify the Career Center by March 7. Company representatives, VGCC graduates and potential graduates who want more information about Career Day may call Career Center coordinator Barbara Smith at (252) 738-3326.Pictured above: Vance-Granville Community College Career Center coordinator Barbara Smith (center) discusses plans for the college’s 2007 Career Day with Daphne Wright (left) and Anna Lemert (right) of the State Employees’ Credit Union branch in Henderson. The credit union plans to be represented at the event on March 28 in the college’s Civic Center. (VGCC Photo)