I was first introduced to Vanguard as a cadet at West Point. My father had recently heard about Roth IRAs and target-date funds on AM radio while driving home from work. He urged me to open an account with Vanguard, based on its reputation as an honest company with low costs. At West Point, I had many classmates and instructors who were interested in swapping hot stock tips and investment philosophies. One thing that stood out the most to me was a strategy championed by Vanguard’s founder Jack Bogle that urges investors to regularly invest in low-cost, broadly-diversified, index funds, while sticking to an investment plan regardless of market conditions. I was hooked.

Following graduation, I had the privilege of leading armor, infantry, and recruiting Army units both stateside and in Afghanistan. Many of my soldiers came from disadvantaged backgrounds. For some, it was their first time ever having a substantial income in their lives. They would often confide in me as their leader for guidance on things like creating a budget or investing for the future. Time and time again, I shared Mr. Bogle’s strategy and urged my soldiers to open a Vanguard account because I believed it was a company they could trust.

Following my transition from active duty, I was looking for a career opportunity that aligned with my values and was mission driven. When I discovered Vanguard’s MBA Development Program, I knew I’d found exactly what I’d been looking for. I had the opportunity to take on meaningful, strategic work over the course of three, five-month assignments. The program also included a significant amount of mentorship from peers, senior leaders, and executives—something validated by program alums who were more than willing to connect as I sought to learn more about the program during the recruiting process.

I’ve heard the saying: you don’t want to meet your heroes, lest they disappoint. In this instance, the adage is mistaken. I write this blog post enroute to the MBA Veterans Conference to represent Vanguard’s commitment to foster career opportunities for top military veterans and drive a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. I’m wholeheartedly thrilled to share my Vanguard story with the next cadre of service members who seek a new mission of taking a stand for all investors, treating them fairly, and giving them the best chance for investment success.

– Mike S.