CWCU seeks rep
Nov 1, 2007 
Lloydminster Source | By Angela Rugama, staff writer
Between the rising costs of education, accommodation prices and other various life expenses, today's youth can be sure of at least one thing—banking fees.
What if a financial institution could offer 17 to 25 year old Albertans an account with absolutely no fees and solid economic support?
Common Wealth Credit Union is gearing up to just that and has established a new initiative in hopes of attracting the next generation.
The Young and Free campaign is not your average 'choose us' crusade, it is a fresh approach to seeking out a quintessential employee. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for one fortunate Albertan to seize the ultimate situation, while providing a voice to his or her peers. Becoming the Alberta Young and Free spokesperson is much more than a job, it's a chance to obtain guaranteed employment for one year, a new car to drive during that time, as well as an assortment of electronics.
He or she will also have the opportunity to work with the board of directors in areas such as marketing and communications.
"This is a tremendous work experience opportunity, which could manifest itself into something a lot bigger for the right candidate," says CWCU President and CEO Jeff Mulligan.
Although the post is open to those aged 18 to 25, the application process is a bit more strategic than a typical resume and cover letter and could be one of the most unique interviews ever experienced.
Considering it only takes 60 seconds and a brief descriptive paragraph, it's definitely in the top ten. Using the same means they will use once hired, applicants are invited to submit a short blog and video introduction of themselves.
The most interesting aspect of the entire process is that the spokesperson will eventually be chosen by others in their demographic.
With the Internet as the main line to the youth of Alberta, there is no more resourceful tool available to employers at present and the CWCU has ingeniously captured this power, in hopes of creating a new link to young Albertans.
Mulligan agrees noting that "the nature of the program is to engage the young and free, the 18 to 25 year old group in a way that traditional financial institutions wouldn't or haven't.
"The interesting part of this is, that it is in an environment that Common Wealth Credit Union doesn't control, manage or own, it is an environment that we've enabled so that we can engage the young and free segment of the population," explains Mulligan.
He was also quick to note that the campaign is in it first phase, in which applications are still being accepted. Moreover, the purpose of the campaign is to shine a spotlight on the Albertans who could be significantly influential.
"This isn't about a Credit Union trying to sell products. This is about creating a valuable and relevant social network that will ultimately influence our Credit Union in how we best serve that segment of the population."
The Young and Free program will help establish a stronger connection between CWCU and its members, while opening the door to a new career for some charmed Albertan.
While several applications have already been submitted and can be viewed via www.youngfreealberta.com, the deadline is November 9. There is still ample time for those interested in applying to do so and perhaps have the chance to obtain an amazing employment opportunity.
