Credit Union Defrays Cost Of Education For Sacramento Employees

Paras Singh is a business manager at Patelco Credit Union and sees himself as a lifelong learner. He and his family moved to Sacramento from the Bay Area in 2001.

Upon arrival, Singh took the opportunity to attend American River and then Sierra Colleges to study business management and economics. He is now planning on transferring to Sacramento State to finish his bachelor's and master's degrees in business management, all while working at the credit union.

"Many people, like myself, work full-time and go to school. Very few people can afford to just go to school and not work; but by tackling both at the same time it can extend the time it takes to finish your degree," said Singh. "Fortunately, I believe work experience while going to school can certainly give you an advantage in developing the skills and knowledge necessary for future career plans."

Singh takes a global view on his role in society and sees education as a part of being a responsible world citizen.

"Education for me will not stop after my degree," Singh said. "We need to continue to educate ourselves and adapt to the constant changes in our country and within our communities."

But Singh has an advantage. Patelco contributes to a qualified portion of tuition and fees for their employees who attend higher education to enhance their careers.

"I would also like to get my project management certification to better equip me in my role and my future with Patelco," said Singh.

It is his future at Patelco that also provides encouragement while he attends college.

"I love coming to work for an organization that has the best interest in mind for our members and employees. The fact that I get to educate our members and help them achieve their financial goals keeps me coming to work with a smile each and every day," said Singh. "We have grown as a credit union over the time I have been here, and I couldn't be more proud to work for such an outstanding organization."

Karen Hansen M.S. Earth Sciences, has been an educator and consultant who is currently an analyst regarding land and other public information records. She lives and works in Sacramento, CA. She has been writing about earth and the environmental sciences for Examiner.com since May of 2010. Find her work in several sections of the publication. You can find her work at SF Solar Energy Examiner, SF Environmental News Examiner and Environmental News Examiner