Alumni Spotlight: Ben Hering
Ben Hering (he/him)
Major: PSY BA (Spring 2011)
Position: Director of Partnerships
Employer: CUCollaborate
What is your work like? What are your duties?
CUCollaborate is a data analytics software and consulting company that serves the credit union industry. We help credit unions leverage the cooperative model to serve more members in their communities. The Director of Partnerships is responsible for building strong business relationships with credit union system organizations and businesses in support of CUCollaborate long-term goals and objectives. In my role, I maintain and grow critical business relationships, analyze industry trends, identify business opportunities, and consult new and existing credit unions on how to effectively reach more members. I support product and project management for overall organizational productivity while managing key account portfolios. My role establishes and maintains strong long-term partners that align with our organization's mission.
How would you say your psychology degree has helped you with your current job?
The vast majority of my daily tasks, in my current position and throughout my career with credit unions, have exceedingly relied on advanced communications, critical thinking, creative problem-solving and analytical acumen. In my role, I am consistently distilling complex analytics, ideas and research into digestible insights.
In what way has your major complemented your current job?
My consulting practice requires extensive financial and demographic analysis, understanding and calculating statistical trends, conducting market research, and eloquently communicating results. I gleaned all of these skills during my psychological and liberal arts studies at the University of Minnesota.
How did you find your current position?
My network. I was recruited to my current role through the work I've been doing in the credit union community. In fact, my current role did not exist before I started with CUCollaborate!
What advice do you have for our current psych students and recent grads?
Know yourself. If you have an understanding of what matters most to you, you will find something that fits your interests.
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