Bank Independent banker Victor Alves graduated from the year-long Campus to Career (C2C) professional development program on July 26th and was officially welcomed into his new role in credit administration as a credit analyst. 
“Victor has embraced every opportunity the C2C program presented with a passion for learning, balanced with the humility to be taught. Most notably, he has built authentic relationships across the organization throughout his progress,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “These are all key success factors for the program, for the bank, and for any healthy career.”
Victor Alves applied to the 2023/2024 C2C program as an internal candidate, already employed as a part-time teller at the Bank Independent Cox Creek sales office. Alves was a recent graduate of the University of North Alabama, where he earned a Master of Science in 2022 and Bachelor of Science in 2020.
“When I was a student, I heard great things about the bank’s reputation as a business and employer. After graduation, I learned about the bank’s C2C program and became intrigued,” Alves said.
So much so, Alves applied for a part-time teller position several months before the third C2C cohort application window opened.
“It’s an opportunity many recent college graduates might overlook because of its entry-level nature, but I wanted to learn more about banking. I knew if I could participate in C2C, that teller experience would be a solid foundation,” continued Alves.
The Campus to Career program, or C2C, is designed to recruit and retain top-notch college-educated talent to the organization through unique coaching and career development opportunities to meet individual long-term goals and support the strategy of the Bank.
Macke Mauldin, president of Bank Independent, aligns the goals of the C2C program with the bank’s philanthropies and reflects the success of the strategic partnership with UNA.
“Like the Bank, UNA has a tradition of attracting and retaining quality students who make us a better community. The Campus to Career program is an extended opportunity for incredible candidates like Victor Alves to continue to excel locally and remain rooted in the community,” Mauldin said.
UNA Dean of Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College Vincent Brewton works closely with talented students helping build professional connections in the Shoals community.
“For decades, Bank Independent has been one of UNA’s strongest community partners, and we sincerely appreciate the career opportunities the Bank provides our students. The Campus to Career program is exactly the type of practical, forward-thinking bridge our students need to be successful. The entire region benefits when UNA graduates remain in the area to live and work, and we are grateful for our relationship with Bank Independent,” said Brewton.
The 12-month-long program exposes C2C Bankers to all business areas of the organization independent of the participant's educational background or degree path. Participants are introduced to the Bank's culture as they begin receiving direction and guidance from trusted managers, leaders and mentors.
As the program progresses, the C2C Bankers narrow their focus to 2-3 areas and begin deep dive sessions to grow necessary skillsets, relational competencies, and overall interest and passion for the role. At the end of the one-year program, the C2C Banker should confidently interview for placement into a mid-level career position that matches both their area of interest and one that meets the long-term strategic needs of the Bank.
“The C2C program was developed to support our long-term objectives,” explained Corey Thomaston, professional development officer at Bank Independent. “It’s no coincidence that Bank Independent is celebrating 77 years of service. Our leaders have been intentional about succession planning. We are strong partners with our colleges and universities, and we are the employer of choice for the communities we serve.”
Victor Alves grew up an Air Force “brat,” living in Maryland, Washington State, and Portugal before moving to Prattville, Alabama. He has been a resident of the Florence area since 2014. Academics and the UNA campus originally drew him to the area. He says that friendships, connections and daily-life in the Shoals are the reasons he remains.
Alves joins previous Campus to Career graduates including Caleb Hines and Hallie Mauldin. Hines earned his B.S. in Finance from UNA in 2021 before joining the 2nd cohort class of 2022/2023. He is now an analyst with the bank’s project management office. Mauldin earned her B.A. in Marketing from Auburn in 2017. She was part of the inaugural C2C program in 2021/2022 before joining the marketing department as the community engagement leader.
About Bank Independent
Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 33 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the Digital Sales Office, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products, and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All our team members reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.
