Do you have to go to a prestigious University to be a financial adviser at Merrill Lynch?

Question

I want to be a financial adviser at Merill Lynch, but I've heard that it is necessary to go to a prestigious University to do this which I have not. I went to the University of Central Florida. Do I stand a chance?

Answer 1

Sure you have a chance. There are lots of Merrill Lynch brokerage offices in FL. Merrill Lynch is not the most prestige brokerage company ... it's the largest, but far from the best. You don't need a degree from an Ivy College or similar to work for them. However, you MUST have a concrete sell-able (to the Merrill Lynch brokerage office management) plan as to how you expect to drum up business. Being a broker is 95% salesmanship and creating business and 5% product knowledge. It's helpful if you or your family have lots of relatives and friends with money you can count on to open new accounts ... to kick off your career.

If you can sell the local brokerage on you ... they'll pay to train you and get you licensed. Be careful, in FL, there are tons of brokerage offices that will only use you up to qualify leads on the telephone for the senior brokers, pay you next to nothing and they will never give you a chance to get licensed. FL is full of such offices ... even the big name brokerages.

Good luck. You sound very naive. You had better toughen up and get smart before you go out and start looking for a legit brokerage career.

BTW, you don't even need to have a college degree, high school or grade school for that matter. But you must be able to pass the licensing exam. It's pretty difficult for most people.
It is a high pressure career. Few people are cut out for it.

Answer 2

You do stand a chance.You don't have to go to a prestigious school. I work as an advisor for them and I went to a state school. Since you are in Florida I would recommend you check out working in Jax, FL. Merrill has a huge campus there with a lot of opportunities. It is more how you project yourself and how dedicated you are than where you graduated from. And stay away from companies like Edward Jones and Ameriprise.

Answer 3

I have gone to this process a few years ago, where you go to school has nothing to do with the type of job that you get after college. I attended several recruiting session and they mostly look at your accomplishments while you were in college. I would strongly recommend that you keep a high GPA if your intention is to work for Merrill Lynch and to do some extra curricular activities. Internship!!!! Internship, Internship

Answer 4

What do you want, WEHUSTLE? Positions paying commissions aren't supposed to be secure. What do expect Merrill Lynch or a similar financial products sales company to do with you if your use of their facilities and support are not bringing in their hoped-for profits? A base salary could actually diminish your "security."

Answer 5

Merrill Lynch is to financial advising what JCPenney's is to retailing: a middle-class chain store.
Your degree from a public university should be just fine to get into Merrill Lynch.
Good Luck.

Answer 6

Yes, Financial Advising is a fast growing field. The major firms look for a well-rounded individual with good communications and interpersonal skills.

Also as a financial services executive, I recommend checking out www.learntosucceed.biz. They can make the difference, sound career advice and they will answer your specific questions.
Good Luck.

Answer 7

i don't know about merill lynch, but a friend of mine is an advisor for edward jones, and he has his degree from the university of alaska.

as long as it's an accredited school, you shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 8

You get the right degree along with very good grades and you can pretty much choose where you want to work.

Answer 9

if you dont think you can qualify, then get more education at a prestigiuos college.

Or you can always get more experience from work.

good luck