Job Shadow Event at TopLine Federal Credit Union Helps Prepare Teachers and Students for the Future

MAPLE GROVE, MN--(Marketwire - Jul 25, 2012) - The world is changing rapidly, and educators and students are always looking for ways to prepare for the world of work. What requirements and skill sets are going to be needed in the future -- especially for those thinking about careers in business? To help bridge the unknown, Twin Cities-based TopLine Federal Credit Union teamed up with the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Osseo Area School District 279 to host three educators and a student from area middle and high schools to explore the world of business and careers in financial services.

During the day-long job shadow event, they went behind-the-scenes to learn about the types of skills that are needed and valued in the workplace, to experience a typical workday and to learn the latest trends/requirements of the industry. They also picked up a few key financial literacy basics along the way, such as how to review a credit report and how a credit score is calculated.

Osseo High student Andrew Dehn and his counselor Michelle Mazanec contacted TopLine to arrange a job shadow event. "My mother works in the financial services industry and I wanted to learn more about careers in finance and accounting," said Andrew Dehn, Osseo High School. "Though I am just entering my senior year this coming fall, I wanted to get a feel for if this would be a field of study for me. TopLine was kind enough to give me a great day of background, and I am excited to plan for what I will study when I graduate and head to college next year."

"Andrew's interest is such a great catalyst to encourage other students to take advantage of such worthwhile job shadow opportunities at area businesses by exploring possible career options and experiencing real-life responsibilities," said Michelle Mazanec, College & Career Specialist.

Through a summer externship program offered by the area chamber of commerce educators Sherri Hamre, Kelly Postlethwait and Patricia Sheehan were able to experience the business world one-on-one with various departments at TopLine. All agreed, "This was a valuable experience as it helps with the development of integrated curriculum by linking academics with workplace knowledge and skills. Such collaborative partnerships between businesses and educators improve student skill achievement and overall academic performance." Each will be using ideas they picked up to enhance their classroom curriculum.

"TopLine's door is always open to assist with curriculum and program development -- anything to help prepare our students for the future," said Vicki Erickson, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, TopLine. "Andrew's high school counselor, Michelle, and I serve together on the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Education Partnership Committee, which matches advocates from business and education to collaborate on activities and partnerships to prepare students for the ever-changing world of work."

Students and/or educators interested in their own sneak peek into the world of financial services may contact TopLine at 763-391-0872.

TopLine Federal Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota's 13^th largest, with assets of more than $320 million. Established in 1935, TopLine offers a complete line of financial services from its five locations -- in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Paul's Como Park -- as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington Counties and their immediate family members.