For management and leadership roles:
* Business Administration/Management: This provides a broad foundation in areas like finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, and strategic planning – all crucial for management.
* Financial Management/Corporate Finance: Essential for understanding credit union operations, financial reporting, and risk management.
* Leadership and Management: Develops skills in team building, communication, motivation, and conflict resolution.
* Project Management: Credit unions constantly have projects underway; this skill is highly valued.
For specialized roles (depending on the specific position):
* Accounting/Auditing: Important for financial analysis and regulatory compliance.
* Data Analytics: Credit unions increasingly rely on data-driven decision making.
* Risk Management: Critical for ensuring the credit union's financial stability.
* Compliance: Necessary for understanding and adhering to regulations.
* Information Technology: For roles involving technology infrastructure or cybersecurity.
* Marketing/Sales: Useful for roles focused on member acquisition and retention.
Other beneficial courses:
* Economics: Provides context for understanding the financial landscape.
* Statistics: Helpful for data analysis.
In summary, focus on building a strong foundation in business and finance, coupled with skills relevant to the specific higher position you desire within the credit union. Don't just focus on individual courses, but also consider pursuing a degree in a relevant field like Finance, Business Administration, or Accounting. Practical experience through internships or volunteer work at a credit union will also significantly enhance your candidacy.