Advice from crew Archives - Vanguard Careers

Our top careers blogs from 2022

December 14, 2022/in Advice from crew, Crew benefits, Culture, Day in the Life, Diversity & inclusion /by jblackwell

Our top careers blogs from 2022

The end of the year is often a time when we reflect on all that’s been accomplished in the last twelve months. 2022 was another unique year with lots of new and exciting highlights. From new benefit offerings, to exploring new cities and changing careers, we’ve pulled together our top five stories for you. Whether it’s your first read or you’re revisiting a favorite, we hope you enjoy!

Vanguard’s Innovative Benefits Support Your Well-Being Your Way

In this blog, we introduce Vanguard’s new FlexFund benefit. This forward-thinking offer first started in the tech industry, and Vanguard is one of the first financial institutions to adopt it.

Vanguard Dallas: Join Our Team of Advisors

In this blog, Luke H. shares what he is most excited about serving as a leader at our new Vanguard site in Dallas, Texas.

My Experience at Last Year’s Grace Hopper Conference

In this blog, Kimberly W. shares her experience attending the Grace Hopper Celebration in 2021.

Why We Changed Careers

In this blog, several crew open up about their experiences in changing careers and joining Vanguard’s Client Services and Operations group.

Join Vanguard’s Global Risk and Security Division

In this blog, Principal and Chief Information Security Officer, Manish Nagar, shares insights into the work GR&S is responsible for, his personal career experiences, and Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas, Texas.

Feeling inspired? Make your career count with Vanguard. Search our opportunities.

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A look at Vanguard’s Advance to Financial Planning Associate Program

September 28, 2022/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Day in the Life /by jortega

Colleague talking at meeting in company office

A look at Vanguard’s Advance to Financial Planning Associate Program

Starting your first job after college can seem intimidating. Jesus L. and Drew E. share their experiences joining Vanguard as part of the Advance to Financial Planning Associate (AFPA) Program. Through AFPA, they worked in Vanguard’s Advisor Support Group in a client-facing position and had opportunities to develop their financial planning acumen and relationship building skills, while networking and receiving mentorship from advisors and advisor managers over the course of roughly one year. The two detail how the program and Vanguard helped make their transition to the corporate world, and ultimately a role as a financial advisor, easier.

Why Vanguard?

Provide a brief introduction about yourself and why you chose Vanguard.

Jesus: I joined Vanguard in June of 2021 through the Advance to Financial Planning Associate Program (AFPA), after graduating from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Finance and Economics. I chose to work for Vanguard because of the investment philosophy that the company holds. Vanguard’s four principals for investment success: Goals, Balance, Cost and Discipline, represent a recipe for success that is realistic, replicable, and achievable for the broad population. As a Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, I feel compelled to share those principals with my community and begin to address financial illiteracy nationwide.

Drew: I joined Vanguard’s AFPA program in 2021 after graduating from Davidson College with an Economics degree. I chose Vanguard because their low-cost, long-term, indexing investment philosophy aligns with my core thoughts on financial markets, saving, and investing. I am grateful to work for an employer where honesty is valued, and to work with people who I know will do the right thing for all investors.

What initially interested you in the AFPA program, and an eventual career in advice?

Jesus: I’ve always been passionate about my personal financial journey, and a career in advice seemed like a logical next step. Throughout college I knew I wanted to be involved in other people’s financial journeys, but I lacked confidence and industry knowledge to begin working as an advisor at a local Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm. The AFPA program provided me with a steppingstone to become a successful planner. I was able to spend a year getting exposure to the industry and the various financial planning challenges that every day Americans face. This experience didn’t just prepare me for a career as a financial advisor, but it gave me immense confidence to use the skills I already had.

Drew: Vanguard was a company that I trusted with my own investments; therefore, a company I was eager to work for. My time in the program convinced me that a career in financial advice was an excellent path. I was grateful to learn how to be an advisor in a development program rather than jumping into selling products on commission.

Transition Period

What did it feel like to transition from college to corporate life?

Jesus: Transitioning into the corporate lifestyle was quite difficult for me at first. Especially as a first-generation student, I had negative preconceptions about American corporate life. During my time as a college student, I considered entrepreneurship as the only optimal path for success. Yet when I joined Vanguard’s community, I quickly realized that I was surrounded with like-minded individuals who shared similar aspirations. At Vanguard, I have access to half a century’s worth of information and real-life experiences that shaped the industry into what it is today. I network with professionals who have decades of financial planning experience. Most importantly I’m not alone, I have a clear leadership structure that aids and supports my development.

Drew: In college, you are handed opportunities to shine in the form of exams and papers. In the corporate world, those opportunities aren’t highlighted, but finding them and capitalizing on them will help you stand out. Finding success in corporate life requires discipline and self-motivation. There are opportunities to learn and make an impact, but you must seek them out. Don’t be afraid to ask your leader for time to work on projects you are passionate about.

What was your favorite part of the AFPA program?

Jesus: My favorite part of the AFPA program was being surrounded by like-minded peers. Having peers who are on the same professional track adds a unique level of collaboration that I found to be very constructive. I’ve made a lot of memories and friendships that I will be carrying with me for years to come.

Financial Advice

What did you learn throughout the development period – both in the Advisor Support Group (ASG) role and through development activities?

Drew: In the ASG role, I learned that a well-thought question is far more persuasive and valuable than a definitive statement. You’ll often work with clients who know very little about markets, but what they value more than your knowledge is your listening ear. Through the development activities, I learned the full depth of what an advisor provides clients. I learned that advice encompasses not only investments and goals, but long-term care planning, charitable giving, disciplined coaching, and an emotional connection.

Vanguard Careers

What advice do you have for candidates interested in AFPA?

Jesus: My biggest piece of advice to any AFPA candidate is to use your time in this program wisely. Begin visualizing the financial planning process. Understand the thought process and methodology that goes behind every transaction. By the time it’s your turn to put on the advisor hat, you’ll already have the confidence and base knowledge to work from.

Drew: Ask questions. Early in the program, I was too worried to admit I didn’t know something; however, the questions you have will likely be questions your peers and eventual clients have, too. If you ask questions early and often, you’ll quickly find success in the role.

Are you interested in our Advance to Financial Planning Associate program? View our opportunities today!

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Vanguard Dallas: Hear from a Financial Advisor Manager

September 7, 2022/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Our mission /by jblackwell

Vanguard Dallas: Hear from a Financial Advisor Manager

Vanguard has opened a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this final installment of a three-part series, we hear from Javier H.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?

What makes Vanguard unique is its ownership structure, which removes the friction caused by competing elements in serving owners versus investors. At Vanguard, they are truly one and the same and this results in all decisions being grounded in doing the right thing for our clients. Vanguard’s client-first mission is embedded in our approach to investing, decision-making, and company culture. I have peace of mind knowing that the work I do every day is creating value ethically and with integrity for our clients.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?

I am looking forward to building a team of advisors from all walks of life who are dedicated to helping investors achieve their best financial futures. Texas has such a rich and diverse culture that is full of pride. I believe these elements will be a great addition to Vanguard. I’m also excited to hold team gatherings at BBQ and Tex-Mex joints, where we can connect outside of the workplace and enjoy local cuisine, too!

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?

The best financial advisors that I have seen demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence with clients. They are able to build authentic connections and establish trust with clients quickly. As a financial advisor, trust is critical to uncovering sensitive financial situations in a client’s life that they may be hesitant to share. I would also say that great financial advisors are also great teachers; they effectively communicate complex financial subjects in a way that is easier for a client to understand.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?

Financial advisors are encouraged to pursue the CFP® exam with Vanguard’s support if they do not already hold the certification. The CFP certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications within the financial services industry. There are also many opportunities to learn, shadow, and receive mentorship from senior financial advisors to help advisors grow and develop within the craft.

More about Javier: After completing his undergraduate degree in Finance, Javier joined Vanguard through an accelerated leadership training program. Javier has been a leader in several business departments and is currently a manager in Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services, leading a team of financial advisors. Javier holds the CFP certification and is passionate about coaching advisors to meet the wide range of client needs.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? View our Advice opportunities today!

Please check out our first and second installments of this series to learn more about Financial Advisor opportunities and our new Dallas site from Luke and McKenna.

¹Vanguard is investor-owned, meaning the fund shareholders own the funds, which in turn own Vanguard.

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Vanguard Dallas: New city, big vision

June 9, 2022/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Our mission Financial Advisor /by manikantashetty

Vanguard Dallas: New city, big vision

Vanguard has opened a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this installment of a three-part series, we hear from McKenna A.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?
As an advisor at Vanguard, no part of my compensation is based on commission. Instead, I get to partner with my clients to determine what is most valuable to them, without any competing priorities. When I meet with clients or prospects, it’s not about a pressured, sales-esque call. Instead, I feel as though I’m sitting across from them, cup of coffee in hand, talking about what is most important to them in life and how I can help them achieve their financial goals.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?
In addition to what you do, I think one of the most critical parts to enjoying work is who you have alongside you. At Vanguard, I’ve had the privilege of working next to some amazing people that make everyday work more enjoyable. These are individuals who challenge me, mentor me, and help me grow personally and professionally. Being able to start a new office in Dallas allows us to continue to expand our team with an amazing variety of talent, knowledge, and background, and is something I am incredibly excited for. Individually we are effective, but collectively we can be undeniable.

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?
There are so many competencies that help make a well-rounded, successful advisor. It’s important to be detail oriented, caring, curious, passionate, timely, organized, empathetic, and more. However, I believe what is at the core of all these skills, and most crucial, is an ownership mindset. An ownership mindset is a theme that begins with the ownership structure of Vanguard and carries through to the culture and way we work, and the function of Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services (PAS) as a department. I come to work each day with the freedom to take initiative, am empowered to make decisions, and as a result, have personal responsibility for the outcomes that follow. This drives me to engage wholeheartedly with my clients, new and existing, and work hard to help them achieve their best outcomes in all ways possible.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?
Vanguard offers many opportunities for continued career growth. In fact, it’s something that initially attracted me to the company. A few things that I have taken advantage of are the mentorship programs, formal and informal, and Crew Resource Groups (CRGs). With the formal mentorship programs, I was able to work one-on-one with a mentor, going through personalized curriculum covering everything from career progression and networking, to resume skills and interviewing tips. I am also part of a CRG established to support Vanguard’s efforts to increase the representation of women in leadership at Vanguard. This provides allies and support for career progression, coaching, and networking opportunities geared towards women specifically. In addition to these, every week there is time built into my schedule by Vanguard to continue my personal development, including sessions that allow me to gain Continuing Education credits for my CFP® designation.

More about McKenna: I began my financial services career with Vanguard in 2016. I find joy in helping improve the lives of my clients every day by collaborating with them to define and achieve their versions of success. My husband and I recently moved to Frisco, TX, with our two tuxedo cats. I love traveling, being outdoors, baking, and eating said baked goods.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? View our Advice opportunities today!

Please check out our first installment of this series to learn more about Financial Advisor opportunities and our new Dallas site from Luke.

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Tips and advice when interviewing for Financial Advisor jobs

April 13, 2022/in Advice from crew, Day in the Life /by nitesh

Tips and advice when interviewing for Financial Advisor jobs

We recently sat down with Vanguard recruiters and asked them to share tips and best practices for interviews. In this segment of the Recruiter Q&A Series, Caroline Trimp provides insights and advice for candidates interested in pursuing an opportunity as a Financial Advisor in our Personal Advisor Services group.

Tell me about yourself. How long have you been at Vanguard? What has your career journey looked like and what business area do you recruit for?

I’ve been a recruiter for many years and although the industries and opportunities have varied, the lasting relationships have been consistent. Like any relationship, they’re built on offering advice along with open and honest communication.

I was so fortunate to become a part of Vanguard’s “crew” in 2018! I work with Vanguard’s Retail Investor Group (RIG) and partner with our Personal Advisor Services (PAS) division. We hire mid- and senior-level CFP Financial Advisors who have a passion for providing Vanguard’s clients valuable guidance and solutions for achieving their financial goals.

How do you recommend candidates prepare for an interview at Vanguard and for the Financial Advisor role?

Do your homework. Advisory services vary from company to company, so don’t assume anything. Be sure you understand the company’s offering and whether it blends with your views and why you became an advisor. Remind yourself the reasons you want this position and to work for this organization, as well as how you’d like to present that throughout your interviews. Think about your relevant experience as well as what the position can offer you. Review the Linked In profiles of any leaders you’re scheduled to meet. There might be some commonalities that ease any concerns or could be used to build comradery as you go into an interview. A good recruiter will share prep information prior to an interview and if they don’t; ask them for it!

Further, bring some good energy and passion to the interview. Show your ability to think critically and conceptually as questions are asked and take a minute to gather your thoughts before answering. Bring depth to your responses, communicate how you’ve made an impact and remember to be concise; it’s a balancing act! Listen very closely to the questions so your answers are relevant and feel free to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you didn’t understand it. Think about how you will articulate your valuable book management strategy, relationship management, and planning, and the impact it has made with your clients.

Why PAS at Vanguard?

Vanguard’s PAS Advisors are fiduciaries– they have a CFP designation and are aligned with Vanguard’s mission to provide our clients with the best chance for investment success. Advisors offer planning by way of asset allocation, tax optimization, investment guidance and advice, insurance planning, estate planning, retirement, and goals-based planning. Advisors will build and strengthen relationships and offer a wholistic planning approach. By being salaried employees, Vanguard’s Advisors have the opportunity to remove any conflict of interest by not being focused on product placement, and so, are aligned to be on the same side of the table with our clients.

What advice do you have for experienced candidates who are interested in a career change?

I always love speaking with candidates ready for a career change. There’s usually a lot of thought and passion behind the decision. If you are just starting that journey, I suggest heavily researching the entry into that field or position to fully understand what’s required and what it’s about. Your assumptions may change as you learn more about “a day in the life” of a particular role, along with the potential education and/or certifications required. Network with as many people in that field as you can and ask about the pros and cons of the role. Budget in personal time so you can consider taking a volunteer job to get that valuable thing called “experience”.

What additional resources can candidates reference to learn more about careers in this field at Vanguard?

Watch the Vanguard Advisors Career Overview video and read our crew testimonials. Take it a step further and connect with advisors on LinkedIn or request an exploratory call to learn more prior to submitting a formal application.

-Caroline Trimp, Financial Advisor Recruiter
Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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Vanguard Dallas: Join our team of advisors

March 16, 2022/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Our mission /by nitesh

Vanguard Dallas: Join our team of advisors

Vanguard is opening a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this installment of a three-part series, we hear from Luke H.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?
Vanguard’s investor-owned structure is something that always stood out to me. The driving force behind everything we do is our clients. How many companies are actively looking for ways to lower costs so they can give more back to their clients? We are truly fiduciaries for our clients; we put their interests at the forefront of all that we do.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?
Dallas and the surrounding areas are full of advisors and other professionals who share Vanguard’s mission statement, even if they have never heard ours. Most advisors get into the profession with the intention of taking a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. With Vanguard opening an office in Dallas, advisors will have the opportunity to align their ethics with their chosen career.

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?
In my mind, a successful advisor must have empathy and strong communication skills. They should be able to put themselves in a client’s shoes and understand that their life, family, and finances are unique and important to them. Being able to communicate with a client in a way that creates trust is critical. There are clients who require assistance with budgeting and understanding how their decisions impact their financial futures. Some messages are difficult to deliver. Demonstrating empathy and proper communication will support clients in achieving their financial goals.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?
One of my favorite things about Vanguard is that they truly care about their people and invest in our development. Before I was an advisor, Vanguard put me through a Certified Financial Planner™ program so I could obtain the credentials necessary to fulfill my dreams of becoming a financial advisor. I participated in the program with other Vanguard crew members, and I was given time that was helpful for me to master the materials and pass the required tests. Once I became an advisor, I was presented with the massive trove of resources that Vanguard prepares to ensure our advisors are educated on the latest changes and events in the industry. Vanguard also gives advisors access to third-party news publications to stay on the cutting edge. If that wasn’t enough, Vanguard also offers an academic assistance program to help you achieve goals like obtaining a Master’s degree or other formal education and certifications. Each week, advisors have dedicated time to spend on learning and growing. Vanguard doesn’t just talk about development, they give you the time, resources, and investment to do so.

More about Luke: With an undergraduate degree in Finance, Luke started his career at Vanguard in 2011 in Client Services. He held multiple roles before moving to the Personal Advisor Services (PAS) group as a financial advisor. In this position, he learned how to speak collaboratively about Vanguard’s methodology and assisted many clients with taking the necessary steps to help reach their financial goals. Luke has since transitioned to leadership, where he currently serves as an advisor manager. He has helped launch the Dallas site virtually but will be moving to Dallas before the campus opens its doors in 2022.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? Check out our Advice opportunities today!

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Our top careers blogs from 2021

December 15, 2021/in Advice from crew, Culture, Day in the Life /by balajivaradaraj

Our top careers blogs from 2021

The end of the year is often a time to reflect on all that’s been accomplished in the last twelve months. 2021 was another unique year and we pulled together the top five career stories for you. Whether it’s your first read or you’re revisiting a favorite, we hope you enjoy!

Vanguard’s enhanced Total Rewards package

Vanguard’s Total Rewards Package provides benefits for the unique needs of each of our crew members. Over the past year, it has become even more evident that these needs are ever-changing and different for each person. We continue to offer expanded benefits to fit various definitions of family and work-life balance, and aim to provide crew with the tools, resources, and programs they need to operate at their full potential – in both work and life.

Coming out- On repeat

On National Coming Out Day, Shawn H. opend up about how coming out is not a once and done experience—It’s ongoing.

How Vanguard supports long-term career growth

Vanguard supports the long-term career growth of our crew through an internal mobility process, as well as mentorships and upskilling resources. In this blog, Chelsea M. shares insights into our offerings as well as feedback from key stakeholders who have benefited from them.

Jun Oh’s perspective: Vanguard’s MBA Development Program

Recruiting for MBA students is an extremely competitive landscape. Decisions are based on prior work experience and role compatibility, geographic variances, industry preferences, total compensation, benefits,
and more. So, what is it about Vanguard’s MBA Leadership Development Program that has both attracted and retained this high-potential talent? We took a deeper dive into this question and asked Vanguard crew members who participated in the MBA Leadership Development Program to recap their experience and share what initially attracted them to Vanguard and what keeps them feeling fulfilled in their roles. In this second installment of a three-part series, we highlight the experience of Jun Oh Y.

The call that changed it all

In this blog, Rebecca H. opens up about her journey to Vanguard and professional development opportunities she has received as a crew member.

Feeling inspired? Make your career count with Vanguard. Search our opportunities.

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Making the leap to a second career—again

December 8, 2021/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Culture /by vanguardsync

Mr.-Bogle-autographing-book-for-me-2017-1030x773

Making the leap to a second career—again

Sometimes the best career moves are also the scariest. That’s a lesson I’ve learned twice. My first job out of college was as a newspaper reporter and I loved it, at least at first. After a dozen years, I’d grown weary of deadlines and wary about the prospects for my industry. Luckily, Vanguard was hiring for writers in its marketing and communications department.

I knew Vanguard by reputation because I’d specialized in covering personal finance and investing. The firm’s clear-eyed, long-term approach seemed vastly better than the feverish mentality that prevailed during the late ‘90s dot-com bubble. As a reporter, I had a front-row seat to witness the wealth destruction caused by Wall Street performance chasing and lack of diversification when that bubble burst.

Fifteen years ago this December, I landed a job as a writer for Vanguard and felt fortunate to be part of the “crew.”

The scoop on switching careers

I also felt culture shock.

I’d moved away from what I had thought would be a lifelong profession and was now working for one of the world’s largest investment firms, something I had never envisioned. How would I fit in?

Discovering that there were many others at Vanguard who’d made similar transitions helped ease my worries. (Indeed, company founder John C. Bogle himself had done a short stint as a “cub” newspaper reporter.)

I chatted with a former veteran wire service reporter who assured me that it wouldn’t be too long before I, like him, viewed joining Vanguard to be one of the best career decisions I’d ever made. In such a supportive environment, it didn’t take long before my fears melted away. It was an exciting time because there was so much to learn. I threw myself into getting up to speed, taking night classes and reading Mr. Bogle’s numerous books.

The more I learned, the more I noticed a change in my interests. I’d joined Vanguard thinking I’d always be a writer and editor. But as time went on, what really grabbed my attention was investing and learning about ways to build and safeguard wealth. One of my colleagues had experienced a similar transformation and left his writing job to become a Certified Financial Planner ™ for Vanguard Personal Advisor Services. But to me, such a big change seemed too daunting. How could I pursue a second, second career at this point?

Me and Nate.

How Nate changed my point of view

And then life—as it often does—took an unexpected twist. In 2014, our son Nate was born and forever changed the way I look at everything. Nate has Down syndrome, and the first two years of his life were one health care crisis after another. He underwent open heart surgery at five weeks. Right around his first birthday, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Thanks to spectacular care by nurses and doctors in our community, Nate has made a full recovery and is now as healthy as any seven-year-old I know.

Of course, I was profoundly affected by this experience. Among other things, I had a new perspective on what qualified as scary and difficult. Making another career change no longer seemed undoable.

And becoming a financial advisor now had an additional appeal. I was especially passionate about the opportunity to help clients who have loved ones with disabilities meet their unique financial challenges. From my own experience, I know that providing for children or other relatives with disabilities is often a family’s biggest single financial concern.

So, for the second time in my life, I took the plunge into an entirely new career. Fortunately, one of the distinctive aspects of Vanguard’s culture is an openness to trying new paths. This is true at any stage, whether you’re a veteran like me or a relative newcomer. Although I had no experience as a financial advisor, I was welcomed into a Vanguard-sponsored program to prepare for the rigorous CFP® exam.

My son Nate.

A beginner all over again

Just like when I first joined Vanguard, I benefitted from tremendous support both in terms of formal training and informal coaching and encouragement from managers and colleagues.

Even with all the help, it wasn’t easy. I spent countless hours studying and had to contend with the stress of learning entirely new systems while adjusting to working directly with clients for the first time. Although I’d been with Vanguard for a long time, I was back to the uncomfortable feeling of being the “new kid” in school. If you’re contemplating a career change, don’t underestimate the challenges.

But don’t underestimate the payoff either. Today, I’m enjoying the fruits of my labors and feel more engaged in my work than I have in years. As a financial advisor, I can impact my clients’ lives for the better every day. And because I’m still relatively early on the journey, I feel like opportunities to keep learning are boundless.

It’s a time of year when many people reflect on what they’re thankful for. For me, it’s that I didn’t let fear stop me from going after a new career.

Lessons learned from two career switches

Talk to your network. Before you make a leap, it’s vital that you speak to as many people in your prospective field as possible. You should also get advice from current trusted colleagues. Best of all, find someone who made the same transition you did. I got invaluable advice from a Vanguard writer who became a financial advisor.
Value what you already know. The skills from your old job will translate in surprising ways into your new career. Asking good questions and taking impeccable notes is obviously key to success for newspaper reporters. It’s true for financial advisors, too.
‘Scaries’ will fade. Twice now I’ve been through the anxieties that go along with a career change. My experience also taught me the fears fade and the excitement builds. Better to experience temporary “Sunday Scaries” than lasting regret about not going after what you’d really like to do.

-Ted G.

Ted is a high net worth financial advisor for Vanguard Personal Advisor Services.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Discovering Vanguard through Tech Elevator

September 8, 2021/in Advice from crew, Training & education, Voyage to Vanguard /by jortega

Discovering Vanguard through Tech Elevator

Tech Elevator is an intensive coding bootcamp which teaches students from diverse backgrounds to become software developers and build necessary career-readiness skills. Vanguard is a corporate partner to Tech Elevator, and together, we are working to create greater access to careers in tech. Through our partnership, we have been able to attract, engage with and hire candidates who have excelled in the program. In this blog, you will hear from two crew members who completed Tech Elevator’s coding bootcamp and are now developers here at Vanguard.

How did you learn about Tech Elevator?

In the fall of 2019, I started to explore options to quickly change my career after feeling unfulfilled in my profession. I had always been interested in software development, and an acquaintance suggested I look at coding bootcamps, a concept completely foreign to me at the time. After researching a number of programs, Tech Elevator really stood out to me because of their transparency, commitment to their students, and their high alumni employment rate. They also had a matchmaking program that helped job candidates network with other companies — this in itself was an intriguing quality as someone who would be looking for a job in the near future. Luckily, Tech Elevator was opening its first cohort in Philadelphia in January of 2020, and after some conversations with the campus director and staff, I chose to enroll.
– Kevin M.

I joined Tech Elevator because of their astonishingly high placement rates for students after graduation, their curriculum, and continued support after graduation.
– Dennis P.

What ultimately led you to decide to pursue an opportunity with Vanguard?

During Tech Elevator’s Matchmaking program, I learned that Vanguard was one of Tech Elevator’s hiring partners. While I knew Vanguard was one of the largest financial institutions in the world, I didn’t realize what they had to offer in terms of culture and sense of community. There appeared to be a great balance between professionalism while still being your authentic self, which was exactly what I was looking for. I also wanted opportunities to learn and grow as a developer, which Vanguard has certainly provided.
– Kevin M.

Prior to interviewing at Vanguard, I researched the organization extensively. Vanguard emphasizes three core values: integrity, focus, and stewardship, all of which are important to me as a military veteran. The interviewing process at Vanguard was very relaxed conversational. I had an opportunity to speak with managers and senior leaders, all of whom were polite and informative. I could see why Vanguard has such a high retention rate. I left the interviews feeling positive and hopeful for an offer to accept.
– Dennis P.

What does your day to day look like since joining Vanguard? What are the most rewarding aspects of your role?

I work on a team of five developers, and we work in two-week sprints. At the beginning of a sprint, each developer is assigned one or more tasks, or “stories,” to complete–this could include research for a future story or coding a piece of functionality for the application we are working on. Every morning we have our daily standup meeting, which is a report on your progress from the previous day and what you plan to work on for the rest of the day. Additionally, we have sprint refinement sessions twice per sprint, and a sprint review at the end of the sprint where we can showcase the work we’ve done.

The most rewarding aspect of my role is the opportunity to increase my knowledge as a developer. Vanguard offers a number of professional development opportunities for those in tech, including certifications and ongoing education. So far in my role, I became an AWS Certified Developer, which was both challenging and rewarding, and have attended a number of Vanguard sponsored courses through PluralSight, an online learning and development platform for those interested in technology. I’m confident this ongoing education will only open doors for further opportunity within the company and my career as a developer.
– Kevin M.

Upon joining Vanguard, I was placed on a new team that was tasked with building an internal application that supports Vanguard advisors. It’s been a pleasurable experience working with crewmembers from my team and collaborating with colleagues across the organization. On average I spend a third of my day in meetings. Outside of those meetings I’m either working on stories for a current sprint, researching, collaborating with others, or learning. Vanguard has provided me with ample learning opportunities. For example, I was recently selected to participate in a pilot for Vanguard’s new IT Divisional Learning Journey Program. And, if a training that would be beneficial to my growth becomes available, all I have to do is request permission to attend.
– Dennis P.

What advice would you share with prospective candidates who are interested in a career in IT?

I would say be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into the learning process and minimize distractions while you are learning to code. In addition to coding bootcamps like Tech Elevator, there are a ton of free resources you can find online, including Free Code Camp and Codecademy. YouTube is an excellent resource as well, as you can find a great explanation for almost any concept. Also, be patient, as there is a lot to learn.
– Kevin M.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Software Engineering, understand that companies use different tech stacks, but the general idea is the same. Pick a stack and familiarize yourself well enough that if you were hired by a company using a different stack and/or framework(s), you would be more up-to-speed and faster to contribute. Don’t compare yourself to others and remain tenacious. Whether you’re experiencing challenges learning something new or difficulties in the hiring process, it’s important to never give up.
– Dennis P.

What I learned from my summer with Vanguard

Each year we’re amazed by the tremendous contributions of our College to Corporate interns. Our goal is to provide extensive training, real-world experience, hands-on opportunities, and mentorship from professionals. In this video, you can hear directly from the interns about their summer of learning, teamwork, camaraderie, and volunteering.

Interested in exploring our internship opportunities? Click here.

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