Bank of America Merrill Lynch Opens Applications for Ninth Returning Talent Programme in Europe

Today, Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) opens applications for its ninth Returning Talent programme in Europe. Individuals who have been out of work for 12 months or longer – for example, stay-at-home parents or carers, or someone who has chosen to take a career break – are invited to apply via the company’s Careers site. The two-day conference – which marks the company’s second Dublin programme – will take place on 20 and 21 September 2018. The application closing date is 3 August 2018.

BofAML, in partnership with the Executive Coaching Consultancy, is looking to attract individuals from a range of industry backgrounds, including professional and financial services and technology organisations, with experience in (but not limited to) finance, business, project or relationship management, risk, wholesale credit, banking operations and technology. The company plans to source suitable candidates from the programme to fill open and future positions in their Dublin-based teams.

Seven years ago, BofAML pioneered one of the first Returner programmes in the UK. Since then, the programme has expanded to include Dublin and Chester. More than 350 women and men have participated to date, with many going on to secure roles at BofAML or at other firms.

The company’s second Dublin programme will give 25 participants the opportunity to attend a two-day conference on 20 and 21 September 2018, aimed at exploring the changing workplace and the role of the returning employee in this office environment. Participants will hear from guest speakers and join a series of workshops designed to support a transition back to work; offer practical guidance on focusing and managing a career search; provide interview skills and insights into balancing work and home lives; and provide access to executive coaching. There will also be opportunities for participants to start building their professional connections through a series of networking opportunities with BofAML employees.

BofAML’s progress in this area, as well as its ongoing commitment to develop female talent, won it the 2015 and 2017 Workingmums.co.uk Top Employer Award for Career Progression. The company was recognised as Euromoney’s World’s Best Bank for Diversity 2016, and has ranked on the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for three consecutive years.

Commenting on the Dublin Returning Talent programme, Peter Keegan, country executive for Ireland at BofAML, said, “We are delighted to announce our second Returning Talent programme in Dublin. Holding it here is testament to the programme’s proven local success, and demonstrates the importance we place on identifying strong and diverse talent for our expanding Dublin 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. We look forward to welcoming this year’s participants.”

Anita Delaney, a 2017 Returning Talent Dublin participant who has since joined BofAML as a project manager in the Asset Services Change team, said: “Attending the Returning Talent programme was a turning point in my job search. The workshops, talks and discussions helped me focus my search and apply for the right jobs for me, which led to my being hired as a project manager at BofAML. The programme gave me an insight into the bank’s culture, which was a great boost when interviewing. I have since recommended the programme to many people.”