Bank of America : Merrill Lynch Seventh Returning Talent Programme Opens for Applications

Today, Bank of America Merrill Lynch opens applications for its seventh UK Returning Talent programme. Individuals who have been out of work for 12 months or longer (former stay-at-home parents or carers, or someone who has chosen to take a career break, for example), are invited to apply via the company's Careers site. The application closing date is 6 December.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in partnership with the Executive Coaching Consultancy, is looking to attract individuals with a financial services background including but not limited to: business, project or relationship management; banking operations; technology; and compliance. Specifically, the company is looking to source suitable candidates from the programme to fill three positions - business analyst, project manager and programmer - for their expanding Bromley-based Controls and Middle Office Technology team.

Following the success of earlier offerings, next year's programme commences with a conference (30 January 2017) giving 60 participants the opportunity to explore the changing workplace and the role of the returner in this new office environment through a number of speaker sessions and workshops. Participants will also gain insight into Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a potential employer. Thirty attendees will then be selected to attend two full-day workshops (6 and 10 February 2017), designed to support a transition back to work; offer practical guidance on focusing and managing a career search; provide interview skills sessions and insights into balancing work and home lives; and access to executive coaching. There will also be opportunities for participants to start building their professional connections through a series of networking opportunities with bank employees.

Neeha Khurana, international talent executive at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: 'The launch of our seventh UK Returning Talent programme is not only testament to its success, but also demonstrates the value and importance we place on identifying strong and diverse talent across our business. Through initiatives such as this, we are able to give people at all stages of their lives and careers, the support, confidence and skills to prosper, and the inspiration to succeed in the financial services marketplace.'

Jo Vale, business analyst in Global Markets Operations Technology and 2016 Returning Talent participant, said: 'After an extended break to raise my children, Returning Talent gave me the opportunity to return to a career I thought I might never re-enter. It helped me to focus on and sell my strengths, and it was a great opportunity to meet others in the same boat. I am thoroughly enjoying being back at work and feel a sense of achievement in having a sustainable work-life balance. I would definitely recommend the programme to others considering a return to work after a career break.'

Five years ago, Bank of America Merrill Lynch pioneered one of the first returner programmes for experienced professionals. More than 200 people have now taken part in this initiative, with many going on to secure roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch or at other firms. The company's progress in this area, as well as its ongoing commitment to develop female talent, won it the 2015 Working Mums Top Employer Award for Career Progression. The company has an established alumni network of past Returning Talent participants, allowing them to keep in touch, network and share experiences and knowledge.

Notes to Editors:

• Applications Open: 31 October 2016

• Applications Close: 6 December 2016

• Returning Talent Dates and Application Details:

  • Click here to complete the application form and attach your CV by 6 December 2016

  • One-day Conference: 30 January 2017, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • Two-day Workshop: 6 and 10 February 2017, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • All sessions will be hosted at Bank of America Merrill Lynch's City offices

The Executive Coaching Consultancy
The Executive Coaching Consultancy launched in 1994 as one of the first dedicated executive coaching providers. They work alongside market-leading organisations at different points of the career journey to improve talent acquisition, retention and diversity strategies. They have deep expertise in supporting parents in their careers, having coached over 7,000 individuals and their managers through this key life stage. They work both nationally and internationally, tailoring content through their understanding of local markets. Their highly experienced accredited coach team bring both professionalism and a passion for developing talent.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,600 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning online banking with approximately 34 million active accounts and more than 21 million mobile active users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ('Investment Banking Affiliates'), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., all of which are registered broker-dealers and Members of SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp. are registered as futures commission merchants with the CFTC and are members of the NFA. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured * May Lose Value * Are Not Bank Guaranteed.

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Reporters May Contact:
Elizabeth Wood, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, +44 (0)20 7995 7731
elizabeth.wood@baml.com

Gouljan Arslan, Weber Shandwick, +44 (0)20 7067 0357
GArslan@webershandwick.com