Lauren S. first worked with Vanguard in 2018 but knew her career journey there wasn’t over. Years later, she returned to Vanguard, and her career came full circle, leading to a role helping others find their place at Vanguard.

I have a unique journey with Vanguard. Back in 2018, I supported Vanguard’s entry-level Client Services hiring for several months as a recruiting partner. When my contract ended, I moved on to other recruiting opportunities, but I always viewed Vanguard as a company I hoped to return to someday.

Fast forward to early 2025, and I had the opportunity to rejoin Vanguard as a contractor supporting the entry-level Client Services space once again. From there, I expanded into my recruiting support to include mid-level, fully licensed roles alongside entry-level and other business areas as needed. After nearly a year as a contractor, I was fortunate to be offered a full-time position and officially joined the crew in February 2026.

Now, I am a Talent Acquisition Consultant specializing in recruiting for mid-level client services and financial services positions. My role is centered around connecting talented professionals with opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and long-term goals.

A typical day involves sourcing and engaging with prospective candidates, conducting phone interviews, and guiding individuals through the hiring process. I also partner closely with business leaders to understand their talent needs, develop recruiting strategies, and identify the strongest candidates for their teams.

For me, the best part of Vanguard’s culture is the relationships I’ve built along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to work with colleagues who are collaborative, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping one another succeed. There’s a genuine sense of teamwork and community that makes Vanguard a special place to work.

One of the things I appreciate most is that this feeling has never really changed. When I think back to my first time at Vanguard in 2018, it’s the people I remember most, and that’s still true today. The relationships, support, and sense of community have been a constant throughout my journey, which says a lot about the culture Vanguard has built.

One of the most memorable experiences in my career was participating in my first annual Partnership Day since becoming a full-time employee. I was genuinely blown away by the level of appreciation and recognition shown across the organization. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate the crew who help make Vanguard what it is.

Beyond the celebration itself, it was meaningful to share the experience with colleagues who have supported me throughout my career. It reminded me how important those relationships are and how much I’ve valued learning and growing alongside such talented people.

What continues to motivate me each day is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s careers. A job change is one of the most important decisions someone can make, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Whether I’m helping a candidate find the right opportunity or partnering with a hiring manager to build their team, I enjoy connecting people with roles where they can grow and be successful.

I’m also motivated by the relationships I build along the way. Recruiting is a people-focused profession, and some of the most rewarding moments come from staying connected with candidates and colleagues over time and seeing their careers evolve. Knowing that I played a small part in someone’s professional journey is incredibly fulfilling.

Lastly, I love that no two days are exactly the same. There’s always a new challenge to tackle, a different perspective to learn from, or an opportunity to help someone achieve their goals. It’s a role that keeps me constantly learning and growing, and that variety is a big part of what keeps the role interesting and rewarding.

Looking back, it’s been rewarding to come full circle and continue building my career with a company I admired from the start.

My biggest piece of advice is to take the time to understand both the role and the company before applying. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position, using the job description as a guide. Be honest about your experience but make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to see how your background aligns with the opportunity.

I’d also encourage candidates to do their research and be prepared to articulate why they’re interested in both the role and the organization. The strongest candidates can clearly connect their experience, strengths, and career goals to the position they’re pursuing.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of authenticity. You don’t need to have every qualification listed in a job posting to be a great candidate. Focus on showcasing your strengths, sharing examples of your impact, and letting your personality come through. The goal isn’t just to land the job—it’s to find a role and organization where you’ll be able to grow, contribute, and thrive.

—Lauren S.