Filene Seeks 30 Young Credit Union Whippersnappers

Filene Research Institute
October 8, 2007 | COMMENTS

The Filene Research Institute is recruiting young credit union professionals to serve in a new program to develop solutions through which credit unions can serve young adults most effectively. The Institute's “30 under 30” group will be a problem-solving team made 30 of credit union professionals roughly under the age of 30.

Patterned after Filene's successful i3 innovation group, the “30 under 30” program will consist of individuals who are employed full-time at a credit union, CUSO or within a credit union system organization.

“The objective of the “30 under 30” group is to determine how credit unions can become more relevant to young adults,” says George Hofheimer, Filene Chief Research Officer, “and to develop strategies to reach out to individuals who hold the future of credit unions in their hands. We're looking for change agents dedicated to the credit union industry.”

Participants will be expected to commit to membership through December 2008; have funding for travel to two meetings during 2008; and commit to 10-12 hours per month and participate in teleconferences with team members.

The application process consists of two essay questions and an online behavioral and managerial assessment. Applicants are also asked to provide contact information for their supervisor, CEO and two professional references The application fee is $55, and the application process must be completed by October 15. Prospective members can find the online application at www.filene.org/home/research/30u30.

Hofheimer points out that Filene has been instrumental in researching both the needs of young consumers and appropriate credit union responses to those needs, sponsoring studies such as COOL Solutions reports and working in partnership with organizations like BRASS Media. “We know that the young adult demographic is critical to the continued viability of credit unions,” Hofheimer says. “The “30 under 30” approach is one more way to align products and services with key life events for this group.”