Bank of America Advisor Development Program

What can you achieve with a career at Bank of America?

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Employee Networks

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Employee Networks are a key part of our culture of inclusion and provide tremendous opportunities to meet new people, have an impact across multiple business lines and grow personally and professionally.

Connecting with others at all levels outside of your normal business routine expands your network and perspective – and deepens your level of understanding and compassion.

More on HOLA and our other Employee Networks

Supporting women

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Supporting women

Our ongoing work to invest in women as they make meaningful contributions within our company and in our communities includes our focus on being a great place to work for our female employees, making the financial lives of our female clients better and advancing the economic empowerment of women in communities around the world.

Our competitive benefits and programs have earned us recognition by Working Mother magazine for more than 30 years, and many other outside organizations.

Programs and benefits for women
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LGBTQ+

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We were the first financial services company to offer comprehensive domestic partner benefits in the U.S. and the first to incorporate sexual orientation into our non-discrimination policies.

  

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Service members and veterans

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We’re committed to connecting our nation’s military to the training, education and resources that put them on the path to financial stability. We employ thousands of veterans and military spouses. Building on that, since 2014 we have hired more than 10,000 service members. We also finance and partner with organizations that foster successful civilian transition

Military employment and Support

Supporting people with disabilities

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Supporting people with disabilities

Our promise to make financial lives better through the power of every connection starts with how we treat one another. We ensure all employees have full access to accommodations they may need to be successful in their jobs. We invest in companies that are using technology to support individuals with disabilities and we support non-profit and community organizations focused on disability inclusion.

Our Support Services department and our partnership with Special Olympics are two key ways in which we value and support individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

More on supporting people with disabilities
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The value of hiring people who think differently

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Hiring neurodivergent individuals – those with autism, ADHD and other neurological differences – helps Bank of America better serve our teammates, clients and communities.

In 2019, Bank of America launched a neurodiversity hiring program, in partnership with Neurodiversity in the Workplace. As part of the program, neurodivergent candidates participate in a skill-based hiring screening that gives them an opportunity to directly demonstrate role-related competencies.

More on supporting neurodiversity

Sign up for upcoming Neurodiversity events

Neurodiversity at Bank of America

Supporting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

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Supporting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

We support the inclusion, advancement and success of our Asian American and Pacific Islander employees, through strong programs, organizations and partnerships. For example, our Asian Leadership Network celebrates the uniqueness of Asian culture and how cultural differences in the workplace can benefit and strengthen a team.

More on supporting employees and communities of Asian Pacific heritage
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Supporting Black/African Americans

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We have strong programs, organizations and partnerships that bring together, grow and develop Black/African American individuals internally and in our communities. And we have been recognized for years by BLACK ENTERPRISE as one of their Best Companies for Diversity for our commitment to diversity & inclusion.

More on supporting Black/African American employees and communities

Supporting Hispanic-Latinos

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Supporting Hispanic-Latinos

We continue to attract diverse talent and provide an environment where Hispanic-Latinos feel empowered to grow and advance their careers. We have been recognized multiple times by LATINA Style’s list of the Top 50 Companies to Work for in the U.S.

More on supporting Hispanic-Latino employees and communities
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Supporting Native Americans

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We are one of only a handful of financial institutions with a Native American employee network and we provide capital for community development on Native American lands. With strong programs and partnerships, we bring together, grow and develop Native Americans internally and in our communities.

More on supporting Native American employees and communities

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Make an impact as a Financial Advisor

The Advisor Development Program (ADP) is a dynamic program that incorporates expert coaching and training from our outstanding Academy, an onboarding, education and professional development organization. Program participants will benefit from direct interaction with clients and business leaders and will have access to opportunities that promote long-term success as Merrill Financial Advisors. ADP is modernizing the development of advisors through innovative business development strategies and the use of technology to help you meet clients wherever they are.

Why be a Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors are people who want to make an impact. And there’s no bigger impact than helping people meet their life goals, whether it be funding college, a new business or being able to retire on their own terms. Using our high-tech, high-touch investment and planning capabilities — you will be able to build long-lasting relationships with your clients.

How are advisors trained?

ADP training includes robust coursework taught by subject matter experts through dedicated learning time with our Academy program and high-tech immersive training. Participants will be in a class together, benefiting from a supportive team environment and dedicated leadership through the entirety of the experience.

 

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A modern approach to prospecting

ADP participants have access to the latest technology for interacting with clients and prospects. You benefit from leads and referrals from Bank of America’s financial centers, digital channels and the networks of companies. You learn how to serve your communities and networks as you share with clients and prospects our products and services.

Supporting you in your personal and professional lives

Our employees are the foundation of our success. That’s why Bank of America is committed to offering a variety of competitive programs and benefits that support your physical, emotional and financial wellness both at work and at home. These benefit programs are designed to meet your diverse needs at every stage of your life and help you plan for tomorrow. Inclusion is at the core of our work. Today, Bank of America has 355 employee network chapters, 230,000 memberships worldwide and seven diversity leadership councils supporting affinity groups.

The Bank of America Advisor
Development Program

Advisor
Development Program
(Relationship Manager)
8 months
  • Work in a Bank of America financial center
  • Be a key part of the financial center team
  • Support clients across the banking spectrum
  • Engage with clients who visit a financial center
  • Work on core banking, credit and lending solutions
Financial
Solutions Advisor
(FSA)
13 months
(3 months licensing)
  • Work in a Bank of America financial center
  • Be a key part of the financial center team
  • Support clients with a focus on affluent clients
  • Obtain your required FINRA registrations
  • Work on core banking, credit, lending and investing solutions
Merrill Financial
Solutions Advisor
(MFSA)
18 months
  • Work in a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management branch location
  • Deliver products and capabilities across Bank of America banking and Merrill investing
  • Prepare to become a Merrill Financial Advisor (MFA)
Merrill Financial
Advisor
  • Work in a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management branch location
  • Demonstrate sustainable business development activities
  • Deliver products and capabilities across Bank of America banking and Merrill investing
The stages participants will travel through on their path to success.

Developing the next generation of Merrill advisors

ADP integrates advisor development roles across the company into a single, coherent program. The program will enable advisors to develop skills in servicing clients across wealth bands and access the deep breadth of relationships across the Enterprise. As we meet our clients where they are in their financial journeys, we likewise meet you where you are along the advisor career path continuum. In ADP, you can enter the program from the beginning, or join us where your skills and experience align.

What our clients have to say

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Clients tell us that the delivery of personalized advice across our company’s full spectrum of banking, lending, investing and planning capabilities is what they need from a Financial Advisor.

What teammates are saying about ADP

"This program enables people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels to become successful advisors."

– ADP participant

"I love the ability to experience multiple lines of business, and I am learning how to serve my clients."

– ADP participant

"The resources and coaching provided have proved to be invaluable in my development."

– ADP participant

Bank of America’s Military Talent Acquisition team proudly supports veterans in our communities through education, career opportunities and volunteer events. Among these opportunities is our Veteran’s programs providing development programs for military veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

 

Global Operations Military Development Program

This U.S.-based rotational program is designed to provide veteran leaders the opportunity to successfully leverage their military experience and unique skills in our corporate environment. Participants experience two one- year assignments across the bank’s Global Operations (GO) lines of business, engaging in critical business initiatives.

Candidate profile

  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Candidates must have served as a Junior Military Officer, Warrant Officer or Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Military.
  • They must have an honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and must have separated from active duty within the last year or currently are serving in the National Guard or Reserves.
  • Candidates should also have an operations background with great critical thinking and decision- making ability in ambiguity.

Additional program details

  • Program locations include Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida
  • Competitive salary
  • Full-time placements have included roles in the following GO roles:
    • Operations Manager/Consultant
    • Process Design Consultant
    • Operational Risk Specialist
    • Service Delivery Consultant
    • Business Control/Support Manager
    • Project Management

Strategy & Management Military Development Program

Our Strategy & Management Military Development Program is an elite, two-year development program that prepares military talent to become a general manager in our Consumer & Small Business organization.

Candidate profile

  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Candidates must have served as a Junior Military Officer, Warrant Officer or Senior Non- Commissioned Officer in the U.S. military.
  • They must have an honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and must have separated from active duty within the last year or be currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves.
  • Candidates should also have a strategic background with great critical thinking and decision-making ability in ambiguity.

Additional program details

  • Program located in Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Competitive industry salary
  • Program consists of several structured rotations within the Consumer Banking organization in any of the following functions:
    • Project Management
    • Process Design
    • Product Management
    • Strategic Planning
    • Initiative Leadership Marketing
    • Business Development

Veterans Associates Program (VAP)

— Global Banking & Global This elite 12-week rotational program in New York City is for recently transitioned veterans, between one and three years post-service. The VAP allows participants to explore new career opportunities through placements across our Global Banking & Global Markets (GB & GM) business. Through these placements, veterans are expected to bring their highly sought-after military skills to the table, while they are receiving on-the-job training and are immersed in day-to-day industry experiences.

Candidate profile

VAP targets Junior Military Officers/Academy graduates and strong enlisted service members. The program aims for a diverse class composition. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in finance and STEM and have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military within the past five years, have an active military commitment and/or are currently serving in the military reserves or National Guard.

Additional program details

  • Investment Banking, Capital Markets, Commercial Banking, and the Global Transaction Service Program take place in Greater New York City.
  • Competitive industry salary
  • Full-time placements have included roles in the following GB & GM areas:
    • Investment Banking
    • Capital Markets
    • Corporate Banking
    • Global Commercial Banking
    • Global Transaction Services (GTS)
    • Sales and Trading
    • Global Research
    • Public Finance and additional areas across Municipal Banking and Markets
    • Global Wealth Investment Management (GWIM)
    • Global Risk

Global Banking & Global Markets Operations Military Development Program

This elite 12-week rotational program is for recently transitioned veterans between one and five years post-service. The GB & GM Ops program allows participants to explore new career opportunities through placements across our Global Banking & Global Markets (GB & GM). Through these placements, veterans are expected to bring their highly sought-after military skills to the table while they’re receiving on-the-job training and are immersed in day-to-day industry experiences.

Candidate profile

GB & GM Ops targets Junior Military Officers/Academy graduates and strong enlisted service members. The program aims for a diverse class composition. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in finance and STEM and have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military within the past five years, have an active military commitment and/or are currently serving in the reserves or National Guard.

Additional program details

  • Program locations include New York City; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Jacksonville, Florida
  • Competitive industry salary
  • Full-time placements have included roles in the following GB & GM areas:
    • Securities Core Trading Operations
    • Client Operations Services
    • Global Ops Shared Operations
    • Treasury FSO, FDCO Risk Control
    • Process Automation and Op Excellence
    • Municipal Banking and Markets
    • Prime Brokerage
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Communications
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Communications Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

90 minutes

Explore and improve communication skills in an office environment.

Communications Resource guide

15 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

28 Best Practices for Email Etiquette in the Workplace

2 minutes

Using best practices for email etiquette allows you to communicate clearly and make a positive impression on potential employers, business contacts and customers. In this article, we discuss why email etiquette is so important and we share 16 of the best practices for email etiquette in the workplace.

Nonverbal Communication: 9 Types and How To Read and Use It

2 minutes

Having strong communication skills is essential for building both personal and professional relationships. In this guide, we'll discuss what nonverbal communication is, why it's important, how to read it and how you can improve your own nonverbal communication skills.

Communications Recording Part 1: Overview

2 minutes

Understand why effective communication in a business environment is important.

Communications Recording Part 2: Using Effective Verbal Communication

5 minutes

Whether in-person or over the phone, almost all workplaces require some form of verbal communication. We need to make sure that when speaking, our message carries a professional tone and sends the intended message.

Communications Recording Part 3: Writing with Confidence

7 minutes

Whether it be through formal or informal emails, reports, articles, executive summaries, letters or other messaging, writing is a large part of many professions, and our writing can determine how people view us as professionals.

Communications Recording Part 4: Balancing between listening and message delivery

6 minutes

Communication is not just about sharing information. It is also about receiving it. Learn how to listen effectively so that you make others feel heard.

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Customer Interactions
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Customer Interactions Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

60 minutes

Improve your ability to interact with and meet the needs of customers.

Customer Interactions Resource Guide

15 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

10 Ways to Make Every Customer Interaction Positive

2 minutes

Customers today have purchasing power like never before, which is why good customer interaction skills can make or break a brand.

Customer Interactions Recording Part 1: Introduction

3 minutes

A quick overview of the 4 ways you can improve customer interactions in ANY industry.

Customer Interactions Recording Part 2: Take Ownership

5 minutes

Taking ownership shows the customer that you are confident and capable. Learn best practices that show your customers that you are willing to help have the best experience possible.

Customer Interactions Recording Part 3: Act with Empathy

3 minutes

“Empathy is understanding the feelings of another person and showing that you understand their experiences and emotions. Learn how to act with empath in a way that builds trust and helps you engage in better conversations with your customer.

Customer Interactions Recording Part 4: Make it Easy

3 minutes

Making it easy for the customer involves addressing their short- and long-term concerns. Learn the 4 steps to help make it easy for your customer.

Customer Interactions Recording Part 5: Get it Right

2 minutes

You are the first person in the company that your customer sees. Learn how to deliver on the customer’s request and get it right!

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Grow Your Career
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Grow Your Career Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

90 minutes

Use a road map of best practices needed to attain the job you want.

Grow Your Career Resource guide

15 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

Event Recording: Harnessing Your Power with Lisa Nichols

60 minutes

Motivational speaker, Lisa Nichols shares the power you have in harnessing your own career.

On Demand career training

2 minutes

Goodwill offers virtual career training on demand so you can learn at your pace and on your schedule:

  • Job Search 101 – Get in the right mindset to increase your chances of job search success.
  • Resume 101 – Learn how to translate your skills into an effective resume. Interview 101 – Do’s and don’ts and tips for interview success.
  • Rock Your First 90 Days on the Job – You got the job but your work is just beginning!

How To Write a Resume in 10 Steps

2 minutes

Constructing a compelling and visually appealing resume can be challenging, but a few strategies can help you use your resume as a showcase of what makes you the best candidate for a job. In this article, we describe 10 practical steps for building a resume that can show employers that you are the best fit for their position.

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Emotional Wellness & Intelligence
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Thriving Mind Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

60 minutes

Learn to put your best foot forward when navigating stressful situations at work and in your personal life.

20 Tips for Building and Cultivating Your Resilience

2 minutes

Resilience is what helps us thrive despite the curveballs life throws our way. Some of us are born more resilient than others, but everyone can get better at it. Here’s how.

Emotional Intelligence Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

60 minutes

Apply emotional intelligence skills in your personal and professional life to master influencing and build better working relationships.

Emotional Intelligence Resource Guide

15 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during, and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

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Time management
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Time Management Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

60 minutes

Introduce learners to the key concepts of time management and task prioritization, and applying it to managing life priorities and accomplish goals.

Time Management Resource guide

15 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

Coaching Tools 101: The Urgent Important Matrix - What and How To Use it!

5 minutes

The Urgent Important Matrix is a powerful productivity and time management tool to help people manage their time more effectively. It divides tasks into 4 quadrants according to how urgent and important they are, which helps people understand where their time goes and be more productive with the time they have.

Priority Management - The Urgent/Important Matrix

5 minutes

The Urgent/Important Matrix helps you look at your task list, and quickly identify the activities you should focus on. By prioritizing using the Matrix, you can deal with truly urgent issues, while you keep on working towards your goals.

Free Planners | Momentum Planner by Productive Flourishing

5 minutes

You’ve got more going on than the same old free planners can handle. You need a clear line of sight on all those moving parts and a system to plan for and keep track of everything. Here is a seies of free downloadable planners to help yopu plan your day, week, month, Quarter and Year.

The Pomodoro Technique Really Works for Productivity

5 minutes

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have—rather than against it.

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Critical thinking
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Critical Thinking Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

60 minutes

Introduce learners to the basic concepts of critical thinking including what critical thinking is, the benefits & barriers to using it, and the basic process.

Critical Thinking Resource guide

15 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

13 Easy Steps To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

5 minutes

Critical thinking isn’t about being constantly negative or critical of everything. It’s about objectivity and having an open, inquisitive mind. Critical thinking means arriving at your own carefully considered conclusions instead of taking information at face value. Here are 13 ways you can cultivate this precious skill.

Decision-making process

5 minutes

Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions. Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives.

7 Steps of the Decision-Making Process in Management

5 minutes

If you’re a manager or want to be one, the decision-making process in management positions demands more attention to detail. And to combat decision fatigue, you need to know what steps to take to make the best decisions possible.

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Adaptability
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Adaptability Virtual Instructor Led Workshop

60 minutes

Develop the skills and mindset to adapt to changes in the workplace and at home. This training aims to enhance an individual’s ability to adjust and thrive in any environment.

Adaptability Resource Guide

60 minutes

Use this resource guide as a reference before, during and after the virtual instructor led workshop.

Discover opportunities within ADP: careers.bankofamerica.com