What does it look like to help shape the future of early talent at Vanguard? In this Q&A, Jenn B. shares what drew her to Vanguard, how her background influences the candidate experience she creates, and why Dallas is an exciting place for students and early career professionals to build what’s next.

What really drew me to Vanguard was the direction they’re going with early career talent. I’m passionate about creating meaningful candidate experiences, and Vanguard does that in a really thoughtful way, balancing a white-glove, high-touch approach with programs that truly make an impact. That combination stood out to me and aligns closely with how I believe we should engage and inspire early talent.

I mean, come on, it’s Dallas. What’s not to love? What truly makes the Dallas office unique is that we’re still shaping what our identity looks like within the broader Vanguard ecosystem. There’s a lot of energy around building something that reflects both Vanguard’s values and the spirit of this market. Many of us are new to the office, which gives us a unique opportunity to create a culture that feels distinctly ours, with a little Texas flair mixed in.

As someone who’s spent more than 20 years in Dallas, I’ve seen how this market grows and retains talent. Many students may leave Texas for school, but they often come back to build their careers, and that’s something I connect with personally.

What I love about Texans is our ability to adapt anywhere, while still bringing our identity with us. That mindset really shapes how I approach recruiting. I want students to see that Vanguard Dallas isn’t just another opportunity—it’s a place where they can come home, build a meaningful career, and truly belong.

My background in campus recruiting really started during my time managing hotels. At first, those roles might seem very different. At the core, they’re about the same thing—creating experiences people remember.

Whether it’s a hotel guest or a candidate, people are drawn to moments that connect with them emotionally. That’s what I bring into campus recruiting. I love creating experiences that not only leave a lasting impression, but also clearly show how Vanguard can help students grow into stronger professionals. That’s what builds real connection to the brand.

I really focus on understanding a student’s “why.” Why are they interested in this path? Why financial planning? Why Vanguard? Beyond skills, I listen for that sense of purpose the same passion I see in our professionals who are dedicated to helping clients make confident financial decisions.

At the end of the day, students aren’t that different from the clients they’ll serve. They want to feel heard, supported, and valued. That’s what I look for, and that’s what I love most about this work.

What stood out most is how intentional everyone is about setting you up for success. There’s a genuine willingness to share knowledge, offer support, and make sure you have the resources you need to do your best work. You can also see the same level of care and attention to detail in how Vanguard serves its clients, and that carries through into the internal culture as well. It creates an environment where people really take pride in what they do.

I’m most excited about the opportunity to showcase just how strong the talent is across Texas and the surrounding region. There’s an incredible pool of candidates here, and I feel honored to be building those relationships and helping connect that talent to Vanguard. I’m also excited to explore new ideas, expand our campus presence, and continue creating experiences that make a lasting impression on students.

—Jenn B.