Build a successful career with us
We are looking for the next generation of advisors - those with a passion for making a real impact and growing a career in financial services. Few things affect people’s lives as much as their finances, and as an advisor, you can make a difference.
Whether or not you have a financial background, you have the ability to launch a successful career as an advisor. We celebrate diverse backgrounds, thoughts and work experiences and value their importance for this and every role with us.
From day one, you will benefit from award-winning training through The Academy, as well as resources to grow your career, receiving support through:
State of the art curriculum with tailored courses
Dedicated paid time while studying for securities licensing exams for applicable roles
Personalized coaching with a dedicated Academy Manager
Active learning
through practice activities, role plays, job shadowing, and virtual reality tools
Knowledgeable mentors with relevant experience
Learn more about advisor career paths
Because we know that a career as an advisor starts with a strong foundation, we designed the advisor development career path to help you build that foundation, develop your skills and grow your career. There are many ways to become an advisor with Bank of America and Merrill, and we will work to help you progress towards your specific career goals.
Advisor roles
An advisor at Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank considers the client's life, goals, and financial picture, then guides them with advice and solutions to help them live their best financial lives.
Financial Solutions Advisor
(FSA)
Merrill, Consumer Investments
- Help clients with their life priorities, focusing on banking and investment needs
- Work in a Bank of America Financial Center (FC), Contact Center (CC), or Merrill office
Candidate Profile:
- Industry experience
- Unlicensed or licensed
- Strong interpersonal and client service skills
Financial Advisor Development Program
(FADP)
Merrill
- Build a wealth management practice
- Help clients plan for and achieve their unique financial goals, providing them with advice and service, including investment management and access to banking, credit, and lending
- Work in a Merrill office
Candidate Profile:
- Industry experience
- Unlicensed or licensed
- Strong interpersonal skills and entreprenuerial drive
Private Client Advisor
(PCA)
Bank of America Private Bank
- Build a private wealth management practice
- Help clients protect their wealth for generations to come, providing them with complete investment and wealth management solutions through highly personalized team-based service
- Work in a Private Bank office
Candidate Profile:
- Industry experience
- Licensed
- Strong interpersonal skills and entreprenuerial drive
Perspectives
Role preview
Financial Solutions Advisor
Role preview
Financial Advisor Development Program
Employee highlight
Joseph S. Dailey
Joseph S. Dailey is a Financial Solutions Advisor (FSA) for Bank of America, including Merrill. In this position, he partners with his clients to help them determine their priorities and rank them according to importance. He then provides solutions that can help them lead better financial lives.
Joseph entered the banking industry in 2007 and furthered his career by earning his Series 7, 9 and 10 Licenses. He also recently started studying for CFP designation. These credentials have enabled him to broaden and deepen relationships with his clients.
In 2019, Joseph was a recipient of the Pinnacle Diamond Award and he attributes much of his success to the training he received at Bank of America, which laid the foundation for his approach to providing clients with a holistic view. He continues to sharpen his skills through our internal educational series and annual review certification.
As Joseph advances his career and follows his passion to help other advisors become successful, he finds tremendous value in the Market Leader Development Program. In this program, Joseph is gaining the insight and skills needed to be a leader among his peers. This has opened the door for him to shape future advisors through Bank of America’s summer internship program, where he mentors interns and helps them learn more about the FSA role.
Employee highlight
Paula Sabbagha
Paula Sabbagha is a recent graduate of our 36-month Financial Advisor Development Program through Merrill. She excelled at the rigorous training and extensive coursework, and found the seminars and talks from seasoned, successful Financial Advisors to be the most impactful for her learning. On-the-job training and learning through live examples were also invaluable. “Something came up every day that I didn't know – and the resources were there for us to learn…for me that’s the best way to learn. I go through experiencing something that I don’t know how to do, I look it up, and then I do it.
Education is very important to Paula both professionally and personally. Paula grew up watching her mother struggle with various financial aspects like healthcare, taxes, and homeownership while raising three small children. Her mother’s perseverance has resonated with Paula throughout her career, and through her journey to becoming a Financial Advisor she has continually seen the importance for women to be able to close the knowledge gap around finance.
Because of this, Paula hosts a monthly seminar for women to learn about important financial topics, at times speaking to these topics herself and other times bringing in experts and specialists in the field. For Paula, the seminars are a natural extension of her role as a Financial Advisor because they help women live better financial lives. “At some point, we all have to make these tough financial decisions.” Paula is helping make these tough decisions a little easier.