Victor Alves, a banker at Bank Independent, officially graduated from the year-long Campus to Career (C2C) professional development program on July 26th and has now stepped into his new role as a credit analyst within the bank’s credit administration department.

“Victor has seized every opportunity presented by the C2C program with a genuine eagerness to learn, paired with the humility to be guided,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “He has also forged authentic relationships across the organization, which are key factors for success in the program, the bank, and any thriving career.”

Alves initially joined the 2023/2024 C2C program as an internal candidate, having already worked as a part-time teller at Bank Independent’s Cox Creek sales office. He is a recent graduate of the University of North Alabama (UNA), where he earned a Master of Science degree in 2022 and a Bachelor of Science degree in 2020.

“As a student, I always heard great things about Bank Independent’s reputation as both a business and an employer. After graduating, I learned more about the C2C program and was immediately intrigued,” Alves said.

His interest in banking led him to apply for a part-time teller position several months before the C2C program application window opened.

“It’s an opportunity many recent college graduates might overlook due to its entry-level nature, but I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of banking. I knew that if I could participate in C2C, the teller experience would provide a solid foundation,” Alves explained.

The Campus to Career (C2C) program is designed to recruit and retain top college-educated talent by offering unique coaching and career development opportunities that align with individual long-term goals while supporting the bank’s strategic objectives.

Macke Mauldin, president of Bank Independent, highlighted the alignment between the C2C program’s goals and the bank’s philanthropic efforts, reflecting on the successful partnership with UNA.

“Like Bank Independent, UNA has a tradition of attracting and retaining quality students who enhance our community. The C2C program provides outstanding candidates like Victor Alves with the opportunity to excel locally and stay rooted in the community,” Mauldin said.

Vincent Brewton, Dean of the Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College at UNA, praised Bank Independent for its long-standing support of UNA students.

“For decades, Bank Independent has been one of UNA’s strongest community partners, and we truly appreciate the career opportunities the bank provides for our students. The C2C program is exactly the kind of practical, forward-thinking bridge our students need for success. The entire region benefits when UNA graduates stay in the area to live and work, and we are grateful for our relationship with Bank Independent,” Brewton stated.

The 12-month C2C program immerses participants in all areas of the bank’s operations, regardless of their educational background or degree path. As they progress through the program, C2C Bankers focus on 2-3 specific areas, honing their skills, developing relational competencies, and deepening their passion for their chosen roles. Upon completing the program, participants are prepared to interview for mid-level career positions that align with their interests and the bank’s long-term strategic needs.

“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, who grew up as an Air Force “brat” living in Maryland, Washington State, and Portugal before moving to Prattville, Alabama, has been a resident of the Florence area since 2014. Initially drawn to the area by UNA’s academic offerings and campus life, he now stays for the friendships and connections he has built in the Shoals.

Alves joins the ranks of previous C2C graduates, including Caleb Hines and Hallie Mauldin.

Hines, who earned his B.S. in Finance from UNA in 2021, joined the 2022/2023 cohort and is now an analyst in the bank’s project management office. Mauldin, who earned her B.A. in Marketing from Auburn in 2017, was part of the inaugural C2C program in 2021/2022 and now serves as the community engagement leader in the bank’s marketing department.