“Whatever a professional education looks like for you is within your reach through CFTEA.” “It’s not a race, enjoy the journey.” Suggested to me by a mentor in 1986, “if you want to help people get a job in banking.” I will never forget that statement because it launched me into a banking career where I can only hope I have had a positive impact and have helped people along the way. However, I did not have a formal education
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CFTEA Council Member Spotlight: Meet Lauren Harrington! Retail Training Specialist | Machias Savings Bank Lauren Harrington is no stranger to the power of continued learning. Starting her career with no prior banking experience, Lauren credits CFTEA with helping her build the skills and confidence to reach both short- and long-term career goals. “I highly recommend CFTEA to anyone looking to grow in their current role or explore a new career path. Their courses offer a great way to see if
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My first experience with CFTEA was when I had just graduated college. I had received my first job as a CSS (Assistant Branch Manager) position at a financial institution. I was filled with excitement and hope for this new position. I quickly learned that even though I learned lots during my studies, I knew little about banking and the professional jargon. That is when I discovered CFTEA! They had a Bank Teller Certification program (Certified Modern Banking Representative) that would
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My journey with CFTEA spans many years and has been crucial to shaping my banking career. Early on, I recognized that continuous education is vital to success in this industry—a belief my parents reinforced by encouraging me never to turn down a chance to learn, especially when supported by my employer. Throughout my career, I’ve taken countless CFTEA courses, far too many to list. Some of the most impactful include Principles of Banking, Written Communications, and the Certificate in Leadership
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I started my banking career at TowneBank at the age of 25, a few years out of college. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into or that I’d love it and would be celebrating my 20th year in banking this summer. I started my college journey thinking I wanted to be an educator. I ended up with a business degree, but I am now in Learning & Development at TowneBank, so it really did work out that I’m an
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We’re thrilled to share that just days after the Portland Adult Education Teller Graduation, one of the talented graduates was hired by Skowhegan Savings Bank! This event wasn’t just a celebration—it was the culmination of 255 hours of hands-on training including CFTEA’s updated Frontline Fundamentals course, designed to launch careers in community banking. From classroom learning to real-world opportunities, this program is making a powerful impact—and we’re just getting started.
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When I began my banking career as a teller, I was encouraged to enroll in the foundational course Principles of Banking. I did not know at the time what one course could do, or the ways that learning could expand my career path. What I knew was that I was a young wife and mother who never thought it would be possible to earn a college degree. I was facing financial worries and deep personal fears about fitting into any
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Education goes beyond the classroom—it transforms careers and creates lasting connections. CFTEA Board Member Mary Swift from Kennebunk Savings Bank shares a powerful story about how a simple Written Communication course helped a colleague earn a promotion and how CFTEA training continues to shape workplace conversations years later. You never know when the impact of CFTEA will present itself. One day I was in the grocery store when I bumped into a fellow employee. This employee had recently been promoted.
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As the current CFTEA Board President, I often reflect on the question: How did I get here? From Student to Instructor to Board Member to Executive Board Member to Board President, it has been quite a journey. CFTEA gave me the tools and resources I needed to grow my career. I now get the opportunity to give back and help others do the same. I have come full circle! At the start of my career, as a recent college graduate,
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Spotlight on Success: Reagan Buskey Reagan Buskey started at Claremont Savings Bank (CSB) in May 2024, when he joined the team as a Relationship Banker. Right from the start, Reagan’s dedication to learning and his ambition to succeed set him apart. His commitment to his professional development led him to complete the ABA Residential Mortgage Lender Certificate through CFTEA. Reagan found the courses to be very helpful, with the information well-structured and easy to understand. He was able to take
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