Merrill Lynch Reviews

Pros

Fantastic educational and professional support. Employer offered an expansive array of tools that make it possible to learn and succeed

Cons

Felt a little isolated at times. Sometimes it was difficult feeling included. Culture can be intimidating and as an outsider it can be hard 'breaking in'.

Pros

They showed respect for the employee and had a great work place environment. The location was convenient to public transportation.

Cons

The training at Merrill Lynch left something to be desired. I was given to "standard, substandard" job training and turned loose.

Advice to Senior Management

The training at Merrill Lynch left something to be desired. I was given to "standard, substandard" job training and turned loose. They need to improve their entry training.

Pros

Good company with a solid reputation.

Cons

Merrill Lynch does not always hire candidates best suited for the job.

Pros

It's a really great place to work and enjoy life. It has great opportunity to advance and go somewhere in the work force.

Cons

It can be a place that takes over your life if you let it. It clearly is hard to leave the office

Pros

Was a fun place to be before the crash would recommend in a heart beat pre crash. But margins are being compressed now.

Cons

If management doesnt like you then you might be permanently screwed and wont make it out of the POA program.

Pros

The atmosphere and brand of Merrill is still tops in the brokerage business despite 2008 and the BOA Merger. A lot of research and resources are available.

Cons

Too much emphasis is placed on bringing in new assets, as opposed to training PMD's on the markets and wealth management. Additionally, all PMD's are lumped together in training, regardless of how far along they are. Finally, you have to rely on BoA bankers too much.

Advice to Senior Management

Merrill is too focused on bringing in new assets.

Pros

-Great opportunity to learn the platform for which the FAs operate
-Daily luncheons were a great opportunity to learn about the business as well as network with other professionals

Cons

-Difficult to get started as a FA unless you have family members or close friends with money to invest
-Steep goals to achieve within the first few years

Advice to Senior Management

-provide interns with specific projects that will allow them more responsibility

Pros

- Learn new skills (communications, leadership and software)
- Able to interact with clients and participate in training sessions
- Sense of belonging to the team, engaging experience
- Encourage creative problem solving
- Network across departments, branches and teams
- No micromanagement
- Flexible working schedule for students

Cons

- No formal internship program
- Low entry level salary
- Lack of administrative/marketing support
- Repetitive work
- Hierarchical structure
- Under staffing increases workload

Advice to Senior Management

1. Be aware of the triple bottom line! Implement company wide sustainability campaign (lower overhead costs and brings a better working environment)
2. More opportunities for career advancement

Pros

Good support from colleagues at your level

Cons

Distinct difference between your value and the brokers

Advice to Senior Management

Should provide more liasoning between client associates and brokers. Should design a more relevant and distinct career path for associates that enable salary advancement for years of service tied to production of brokers.

Pros

Good salary, nice working group

Cons

Bureaucracy. Top management out of touch.

Advice to Senior Management

Take a look at your business model.