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Archive for category: Advice from crew

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Data and analytics worker

Why is Vanguard one of the Best Places to Work in IT?

February 13, 2019/in Accolades & Recognition, Advice from crew, Culture 8 tips, ace your interview, crew, development, discovery challenge, grace hopper, grace hopper conference, hopper conference, internship, interview, investing, professional, professional development, support, technical, technology, time, vanguard at the grace, vanguard at the grace hopper, work /by fdoerr

Why is Vanguard one of the Best Places to Work in IT?

A company like Vanguard doesn’t function or flourish without the expertise and support of our IT crew. But it’s not just about technical skills – supportive mentors and peers, challenging work, autonomy, these are all part of the culture of our tech teams. Technology is growing faster than almost any other industry and Vanguard’s IT crew are the investigators, problem-solvers, leaders, and experts who help keep us on the forefront of the ever-changing technical landscape. And these dedicated crew are the driving force behind why Vanguard was recognized as one of Computerworld’s top ten Best Places to Work in IT.  In these blogs, our IT crew share their professional development story, the impact they’ve had on technology, and their internship experience.



IT worker



A Different Kind of Investment

“During my time here, I’ve seen Vanguard support a different type of investing – investing in their crew.” In this blog, IT Developer Elijah A. writes about how Vanguard has supported his professional development.



Group of employees



Vanguard Crew Innovate New Technology through The Discovery Challenge

Solutions Architect Linda C. was able to coordinate the Discovery Challenge, a way for crew to submit their innovative ideas and ultimately influence technological advancements at Vanguard.



Woman at Vanguard



Meeting Vanguard At The Grace Hopper Conference

Learn how Stephanie made her decision to accept an internship offer after spending time with Vanguard at the Grace Hopper Conference.



Make your career count—search our opportunities.



You might also be interested in…



Ace the interview

8 Tips From An IT Recruiter On How To Ace Your Interview

Are you an IT professional with an upcoming interview? Sharon H., a Vanguard IT recruiter, provides 8 tips to ace your interview in this blog.

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How Vanguard has supported my career as a first‑time Mom

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Women’s History Month 2022

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Vanguard’s enhanced Total Rewards package

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Every ____ counts

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long tree lined path
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Vanguard wins award for pro bono work

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Ken O

Everyday Inclusion

February 8, 2019/in Advice from crew, Diversity & inclusion animation= mobile_display=, attachment= attachment_size=, background_color= src=, background_position='top left, background_position='top left background_repeat='no-repeat, background_position='top left background_repeat='no-repeat animation=, background_position='top left background_repeat='no-repeat animation= mobile_display=, background_repeat='no-repeat animation=, background_repeat='no-repeat animation= mobile_display=, border= border_color=, border= border_color= radius='0px, border_color= radius='0px, lamp shades, lamps, left background_repeat='no-repeat, left background_repeat='no-repeat animation=, left background_repeat='no-repeat animation= mobile_display=, plastic wrap, src= attachment=, src= attachment= attachment_size= /by fdoerr
Ken Oyer

Everyday Inclusion

When I started out on my own after college, like so many people I furnished my apartment with items passed down from family members—drinking glasses from my grandmother, dishes from my aunt, lamps from my parents, and a well-used sofa from my older brother. It was a great new adventure as I had my own place and I was now a “wise, all knowing adult.” One day some friends visited and laughed at the lamps. I knew the lamps were older, but they were still cool-looking and in good shape. But my friends were actually joking about the plastic wrap that was on the lamp shades. You know what I am talking about—that protective plastic covering that is on lamps in the store when purchased (and that remained on those lamps all those years). I was perplexed and thought, “EVERYONE has the original plastic wrap on their lamps. At least everyone from where I grew up left the plastic on. What’s wrong with these friends for thinking this was odd?” It was eye opening for me that, in fact, not everyone leaves the plastic wrap on lamp shades. Who knew?!?

I look back on this story with humor and great pride. Those covered lamp shades linked to the history of the people where I grew up in central New York State. The area had been settled by European immigrants who came to the United States to establish a better life for themselves and for their children. They worked hard to make it in the U.S. and experienced the Great Depression. Their past financial struggles gave them an appreciation for preserving and protecting their assets. Those lamp shades were a reflection of the culture and the values of my upbringing.

We all have our unique ways of doing things based on who we are and our previous experiences. Sometimes we may feel that our approach is similar to everyone else, and other times we may feel like the outsider, not fully understanding the norms of the group we are in. The opportunity for this variety of feelings is even more likely at work where we have the incredible opportunity to be around colleagues who come from various backgrounds and experiences. It’s the intertwining and interaction of all of us and all of our backgrounds that help create a diverse and inclusive environment.

For me a key element of inclusion is simply having a conversation and getting to know more about others, and being open to understanding and appreciating different approaches. I ask questions and try to get to know others and their story. I may not always fully understand or even agree, but I always walk away with a better appreciation. And, most often, I find I have more in common with other people than I could have imagined. In times I have felt like the outsider, I have always appreciated when someone took the time to welcome me, get know more about me, or seek my opinion. It was through these actions of others that I felt a greater sense of belonging and comradery.

So, the next time you run into someone with “plastic wrap on their lamp shade,” be curious. Strike up a conversation, and seek to know more about them. If you are like me, you will be amazed by what you learn.

-Ken O. (The Vanguard Group, Diversity and Inclusion, PA)

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Grateful my journey of learning and growth led to a career in sales

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

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Chantee B
Career opportunities, Day in the Life, Training & education

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Day in the Life, Training & education Technology

My experience presenting at re:Invent

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An advisor’s take on the importance of genuine curiosity

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Advice from crew, Culture

Tips on team dynamics from a virtual work pioneer

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annsley

When working in finance isn’t only for finance majors

February 5, 2019/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Training & education better life, client services, crew, crew member, help, help people, help people live, leader, licensing and training, licensing program, live a better life, onboarding leader, path to vanguard, people, people live, people live a better life, retail services, time, vanguard, vanguard's mission /by fdoerr
annsley

When working in finance isn’t only for finance majors

Whenever people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my response was always, “I want to help people live a better life.” I had grown up as a competitive dancer, and was very accident prone, which meant I spent a lot of time in physical therapy. I would watch the therapists make such strides in people’s ability to move and began to think that is what I want to be–and ultimately led to obtaining my degree in kinesiology. So how in the world did I end up in finance?

My road to Vanguard began right after college graduation, when I was having an internal battle on what I wanted to do now that I was in the “real world.” I had told myself for some time that the only way I could help people live a better life was by becoming a professional in the medical field. But a friend proved that notion wrong when they introduced me to Vanguard. To say I was hesitant to join the finance industry is an understatement. Much of my college education was focused on classes like organic chemistry and biomechanics. But my friend assured me that my passion to help people live a better life directly aligned with Vanguard’s mission. With his support along with my family, I took a giant leap of faith, and I couldn’t be happier that I did.




HeadsetCurious about our Client Services career opportunities? Start here




After my first week, I began to feel a sense of calmness and knew that a life-long career with Vanguard was in my future—and then came the licensing program. I had done a bit of studying prior to starting but I had no idea how big of a milestone obtaining my Series 7 and 63 securities licenses was. The nerves quickly came back as I began rereading the 600+ page book, where many of the terms seemed like another language. While there were many moments where I questioned if I could do it, I was always met with support from my leader, coaches, trainers, and peers. I couldn’t believe that I had only been a part of Vanguard for a few weeks, and so many people were invested in my success.

Fast forward 5 years later, I am now responsible for onboarding new hires into the Retail division of Vanguard, which you could say has brought my experience full circle. As an onboarding leader I get the opportunity to be the face of Vanguard for so many new crew–helping them acclimate to our culture and supporting them through licensing and training. I am their first point of contact, starting from the day they accept their offer and also act as a resource as they prepare for their first day at Vanguard. One of my favorite aspects of my job is getting to meet my crew at the end of their first day on campus. The buildup of excitement over the months finally becomes reality and I am able to spend some time answering questions and sharing insight that can help calm their nerves— something I can certainly relate to. I then get to spend the next few months guiding them through the licensing program where I meet with my crew daily to check in on their progress, recommend study strategies, and celebrate their successes. I always tell my crew that we will be going on a journey together, and while everyone is different, they can rest easy knowing that I will do everything in my power to support them through it. I appreciate that I can use my own experiences to relate to what my crew are going through and can be their cheerleader during the ups and a shoulder to lean on for any downs.




One of the most memorable experiences I have as an onboarding leader is when my first class had their final celebration to launch into their role. This means that their time with me in licensing and training is over and they get to officially begin supporting our clients. I had spent weeks preparing what I wanted to express to them and when I got up in front of the class (tears and all) all I could do was thank them for the journey they had taken me on It’s always a bittersweet day for me as I get to witness crew moving on to their next chapter within their careers, but I am always so thankful to be a part of it.




To say I love my job is an understatement… I get to be by my crew’s side as they face these exciting challenges, learn and grow in the industry, and eventually embark on a new path as they launch into their job.

-Annsley R.



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Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Our mission

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Two women talking

12 Vanguard interview tips for experienced professionals

January 28, 2019/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Training & education answer, candidates, candidates to apply, data science, hear, history center, in-person interview, interview, learn, phone, phone screen, prepare, questions, ready to answer, recruiter, role, share, team, time, vanguard /by fdoerr
Two women talking at table

12 Vanguard interview tips for experienced professionals

We sat down with five Vanguard recruiters to hear how they coach candidates through the interview process. In this blog, we share 12 ways that experienced professionals can prepare for a Vanguard interview – whether in person or over the phone.





LinkedinClick to learn more about each recruiter and view their LinkedIn profile



1. What questions can applicants expect to get?

One of the most common questions you’ll hear is “tell me about yourself.” This one is tough to answer because it’s so open ended. We recommend keeping your answer to 3-5 minutes, share a couple of your strengths, what you’re working on, and what you’re learning. Practice it until you’ve got it down. It’s important to be able to demonstrate what has prompted your interest in this role. Why did you choose to apply at Vanguard? What attracted you to this position?

Teamwork is also huge at Vanguard, so expect questions around a time you worked well with a team, how you collaborate effectively, and how you motivate others and drive collaboration. Remember the key is what you did, not what the team did. If you answer every question with, “we did…” it’s tough to identify your individual impact.


2. What are the best ways for someone to prepare for those questions?

We have lots of websites and resources that will help you learn more about our company. You can check out about.vanguard.com or look at our pages on The Muse or LinkedIn. A really easy way is to watch our YouTube videos.

For teamwork-based questions, think about your specific strengths in group settings – do you offer insightful knowledge? Do you ask probing questions or challenge the team’s thinking? If you haven’t had team-based projects in the past, consider all the ways you interact with co-workers. Perhaps you encouraged someone’s idea in a team meeting. Maybe you created a tip sheet for peers when your office technology changed.

I always tell candidates to have a few situational examples ready. The most common being “Talk about a time when you had a problem/situation, what you did you do to identify and solve that problem/situation, and what was the outcome?” I think every hiring manager asks this question in some way, shape, or form. Make sure to carefully read through the job description and relate your answers to the responsibilities of the role you’re interviewing for.

Overall, consider–what are the positive results of your contributions?


3. We all know interviewing is tough, what are some insider tips you can share?

Sometimes when recruiters are quiet, the candidate may think they’re not doing well. Don’t mistake silence as disinterest and remember that your recruiter is taking notes and digesting what you’re saying.

If we ask you to give us an example of something to demonstrate your skills, know that your answers don’t have to be about a time you saved the day. It can be as simple as clearing up a miscommunication, coaching a colleague, or making a tough decision.

It’s also helpful to know that the recruiting process is much more than just the interview—it takes time behind the scenes. We may have to interview a large number of people, then we’re having conversations with hiring managers, and perhaps doing a second round of interviews. Timelines aren’t the same for every position either – some take just a few weeks, while others may take a few months. So don’t worry too much if you don’t hear anything right away.




4. What are some common slip-ups that prevent candidates from moving on?

When you answer a question, don’t add clarifiers like, “I don’t think this is a great answer,” or “This probably isn’t what you’re looking for.” Confidence is important, so don’t play down your experience.

A real deal breaker is unprofessional behavior – cursing, being impolite to the receptionist, or complaining about our security measures. And remember that an interview is a professional interaction, so be careful of using heavy slang or sloppy body language.

Showcase your talent in humble language. Although it’s probably just nerves, sometimes candidates will interrupt a lot or talk over the recruiter. That can give the impression that you don’t communicate well or aren’t courteous.


5. Is it OK for candidates to apply to multiple roles?

If the roles make sense for your skills and background, absolutely. We understand people may feel they are qualified for multiple positions, and really want to work here. Just make sure to keep organized and aware of each job you applied to by making a list of the titles and a few notes about the roles. This will help you prepare to speak about any role when a recruiter calls you.

You can also log into your talent account if you need details of the jobs. We do find it a bit concerning when we call someone for a phone screen and they can’t remember which positions they’ve applied to. During the phone screen, disclose if you’re already speaking with a leader or recruiter at Vanguard.


6. Is it frowned upon for candidates to apply to both leadership and individual contributor roles?

Not necessarily, but the things that make you stand out for each of those roles will differ. In the leadership space, we’re looking for people who are passionate about coaching and developing others, supporting their team, and helping direct reports move up. Leadership at Vanguard is about serving others. Individual contributors are still collaborative team players, but they also prove that they can make an impact independently.


7. Why do you ask about salary?

It’s really just to ensure we’re on the same page and able to match your expectations. Don’t feel you have to share your salary history, just give us a range that would work for you.


8. What advice would you give to someone who thought they did well, but then received a decline letter?

It’s one of the toughest parts of our job to have to decline someone who is really smart and talented. Certainly it can mean that you don’t have the experience or skills we’re looking for, but there are occasions when we have to decline someone awesome for another reason. In those cases, there was someone just slightly more qualified.

Do some self-reflection: do you still feel Vanguard is the place for you? If you think you met the qualifications, we would encourage you to apply again for another similar role. But still take the time to practice the interview and consider how you can make an even better impression.


9. We hear a lot about cultural fit. What does that look like at Vanguard?

First and foremost, you should believe in doing what’s right for our clients. That’s our mission  and it runs deep in our culture.

At Vanguard, you’ll fit right in if you are resilient and encouraging, you can demonstrate that you’re a team player and collaborate well, and you are open to feedback and like to learn. We also want people who have grit and can dig in when things get ambiguous. It’s key that you believe in–and contribute to–an inclusive environment.


10. What if the candidate realizes at some point during the process that they’re no longer interested in the role?

There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that the role’s not a fit during the phone screen. Just the other day I had someone share that after our conversation, the role sounded more senior and he didn’t feel prepared for that level. That’s OK to say – we appreciate the candor.


11. In most cases, there will be a phone screen and in-person interview. How should candidates prepare for each?

Remember that a phone interview is a conversation, so be aware of the volume of what you share to allow the interviewer to ask follow-up questions. Be open for coaching and constructive feedback. The phone screen is just the first level, so bring your “A” game during the entire process.

Before you get to the on-campus interview, ask the recruiter what to expect during the next round, specifically the kinds of questions you should be ready to answer. Come prepared to discuss examples of your work experience and be ready to answer behavior based, or STAR formatted, questions. Review your interviewers’ profiles on LinkedIn to learn more about their background and understand more about the role prior to coming on-campus. And it may seem obvious, but arrive on time or call if you’re going to be late, dress professionally, silence your phone, and bring a pen and paper.

Feel comfortable working with the recruiter on what you’ll need to prepare for the in-person interview. I think it’s one of the most important aspects of our job as recruiters.


12. Any final advice?

Write down questions that you would like to ask the interviewer. Keep in mind that the interview starts the moment you enter the building and doesn’t end until you leave. Recruiters want to set up candidates for a successful interview so embrace the relationship and ask questions!

Most of all, take a deep breath and try to relax. Be confident and be yourself. We want you to do well!



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Capitol building

Serving in both my day job and night job

January 10, 2019/in Advice from crew, Culture, In the community career, career path, clients, college, family, financial, financial literacy, financial responsibility, job, job serving, lead a team, members, night, night job, night jobs, program, proud to represent, team, vanguard, working /by fdoerr

Serving in both my day job and night job

I come from a service-oriented family. From teachers and nurses to law enforcement and the military, my parents, grandparents, siblings, and even in-laws have all fields covered. So you can imagine how much of an oddball I was when I decided to pursue a career in finance after really enjoying my business classes in college. I had a personal dilemma of feeling like I needed to choose a career path that either put me or put others first. I graduated college in the midst of the global financial crisis, during which the reputation for most firms in the industry was at an all-time low. I pictured my future self sitting at a family dinner and talking about my day working with investments, and then hearing about family members saving lives or risking theirs for complete strangers. Talk about humbling.




Doing well while doing good

In researching companies with whom I wanted to work, Vanguard rose to the top after I spoke with a few crew members through mutual college friends. The biggest thing that struck me was the way they spoke about helping investors, genuinely putting others first, and the client and community-centered culture. I had a flashback to interviewing for another financial services firm where I was asked how many wealthy people I knew so that I could begin selling them products (Answer: Not many, and no thank you). At Vanguard, there seemed to be an opportunity to mix both ‘doing well’ in building a great career and ‘doing good’ for others through service.

My ‘day job’: Serving our clients

Fast forward eight years and Vanguard has given me the opportunity to help serve in both my ‘day’ and ‘night’ jobs. In my ‘day job’, I lead a team of investment analysts in our Personal Advisor Services group, where my team is responsible for building out the methodology used to construct and manage our clients’ portfolios. Each day, we work to solve complex issues that will ultimately impact our clients’ ability to reach their financial goals. Knowing what is riding on our success is a terrific motivating factor and our entire team is focused on the collective goal of doing the right thing for our clients.

I also get to see Vanguard’s financial advisors helping clients that need it most: those that don’t have the time, willingness, or ability to manage their money. I get to hear real stories about our crew making a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve a goal or giving them peace of mind in volatile markets.



Interested in our Advice career opportunities? Start your search here.



My ‘night job’: Serving the community

In my ‘night job’, I am a member of the leadership team for My Classroom Economy, a completely free financial literacy program that enables educators to teach children financial responsibility. The program was developed by an incredible group of volunteers, many of whom were educators prior to working at Vanguard, and has reached over 800,000 students. I lead a team focused on building partnerships at the state and federal level, and pushing for district, county, and state-wide adoption of financial responsibility programs. Our ultimate goal is to ensure children receive the basic financial responsibility education they need, as having this skill has been proven to play such an important role in their lives.

Earlier this year, two peers and I went to Washington D.C. to meet with staff members in the Treasury Department, House, and Senate, in an effort to promote the importance of teaching financial literacy at an early age. We were frequently asked how much the program costs and, after saying it is 100% free, are asked “What’s in it for Vanguard, then?” The truth is that the program is powered completely by Vanguard volunteers, each and every one of us are driven to serve and make a positive difference in the community for no other reason than that it is the right thing to do.

If you’re currently seeking a job or choosing a career path, my advice would be don’t compromise on what is most important to you (your ‘non-negotiables’) and find a company you would be proud to represent. Doing this requires that you take the time to reflect on what you won’t compromise and do your due diligence to learn about the culture at prospective employers. My non-negotiables were working for an organization with a service mindset and for which there would be no conflict of interest between our success and our client’s success. I’m incredibly proud to represent Vanguard in both my ‘day’ and ‘night’ jobs, and I now have great stories to tell at the dinner table!

-Nick L.

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Advice from crew, Culture, In the community

Serving in both my day job and night job

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Vahan
Advice from crew, Career opportunities

Why I value Vanguard’s reputation and investment approach as an advisor

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CFP Personal Financial Advisor licensing study
Advice from crew, Training & education

Studying for the CFP® exam? Don’t run out of gas

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Career opportunities, Training & education, Voyage to Vanguard

An overview of the Financial Advisor Development Program

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Woman using computer

5 career advice blog posts to inspire your job search

January 7, 2019/in Advice from crew ace, ace your interview, analytics, blog, common, data, data analytics, linkedin, myths, opportunities, questions, recruiter, set, star, tips, vanguard /by fdoerr
Woman using computer

5 career advice blog posts to inspire your job search

It’s a new year, and for many that means new opportunities! If you’re ready to begin your job search or are already looking, these five blog posts can help set you up for success.



1. Tips and advice when interviewing for data & analytics jobs

Our very own data & analytics recruiter Brian Uff reveals what he looks for in candidates, tips for recent graduates, and ways you can prepare for your interview.



Vanguard data analytics



2. What NOT to ask a recruiter

This careers blog gives some tips on how to bring your ‘A’ game to the interview by reviewing these questions to avoid asking the recruiter—and some great alternatives.



Two men talking



3. 8 tips from an IT recruiter on how to ace your interview

Are you an IT professional with an upcoming interview? Sharon H., a Vanguard IT recruiter, provides eight tips to ace your interview in this blog.



Tips to start interviewing



4. Debunking 5 common LinkedIn myths

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? If the answer is no, what’s holding you back? In this blog, we set the record straight and debunk five common myths about LinkedIn.



LinkedIn myths



5. Preparing For A Vanguard interview – Be a STAR

At Vanguard, we almost always include behavioral questions in our interviews. Learn about answering these questions in the STAR format and nail your interview!



Vanguard STAR interview



Make your career count—search our opportunities.



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Represent Tech Scholarship
Advice from crew, Training & education, Voyage to Vanguard

Discovering Vanguard through Tech Elevator

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Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Voyage to Vanguard Specialty Program

What I learned from my summer with Vanguard

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Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Voyage to Vanguard Specialty Program

Insights from our College to Corporate interns

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Advice from crew, Day in the Life

Tips and advice when interviewing for Financial Advisor jobs

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An advisor’s take on the importance of genuine curiosity

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Tips on team dynamics from a virtual work pioneer

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Tom Riley
Advice from crew, Career opportunities Mid-level specialist

Tips and advice when interviewing for User Experience jobs

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Vanguard Data Science innovation
Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Day in the Life

Solving problems and innovating through data science

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What a career in the Leadership Development Programs looks like

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Ashland CEO
Advice from crew, Career opportunities Entry-Level Phones

Tips and advice when interviewing for Client Services jobs

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Advice from crew, Career opportunities

Hiring managers share virtual interview best practices

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Srinath-2-Featured
Advice from crew, Culture

Three steps for breaking the mold

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Onboarding into a new job in uncertain times

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Reduce the effects of social distancing by reinforcing Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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Advice from crew, Career opportunities all

How to prepare for a virtual interview

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Two people walking into office

Tips and advice when interviewing for data & analytics jobs

December 6, 2018/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities analytics, chief investment, chief investment officer, chief investment officer greg, chief investment officer greg davis, data, data analytics, data science, data scientist, data scientists, hiring manager, interview, interview preparation, investment officer, investment officer greg, investment officer greg davis, land the job, officer greg, officer greg davis, on-site interview /by fdoerr
Vanguard data analytics

Tips and advice when interviewing for data & analytics jobs

I started my career in recruiting 14 years ago. Over the years I’ve supported many different industries–finance/banking, technology, pharmaceutical, business services, food and beverage, healthcare–but none as challenging and unique as data & analytics.

When I first started recruiting for data science roles, it was for the pharmaceutical and tech industries. This experience opened my eyes to all the different divisions that the data & analytics job functions fall into; they span across many different parts of the business and have numerous job profiles. With so many different types of analytical profiles, I had to live and breathe analytics recruiting to effectively recruit the right people into the right roles.

I joined Vanguard in January 2016 as a senior recruiter, where I’m responsible for delivering top talent for Vanguard’s analytic and data science needs. But no matter where or for whom I recruit in this space, I’ve learned that some things are universal.


How to prepare for an interview

This is not your typical interview. In most cases, data scientists and analytical interviews will have some sort of technical testing, as well as a presentation. With many of the candidates we interview, but especially with data scientists, I like to spend some time discussing the interview preparation piece. These candidates are coming in and presenting to a team for a portion of their interview, and I find this to be the most critical part of the process. Letting candidates know that they should feel comfortable working with the recruiter on interview preparation is one of the most important aspects of my job.

One thing I like to do after we decide to bring someone in for an on-site interview is to congratulate them on making it to the next round. Making it past the phone screen is a big accomplishment and I like to build the candidate’s confidence, be a resource for questions, and share what they can expect. I take it as a personal responsibility to increase their chances by successfully communicating with and preparing them for the on-site interview. We as recruiters should know firsthand what the candidate will encounter at the interview by speaking to the hiring manager beforehand about what they want to discuss and understand. Let’s be honest, we want the candidate to land the job just as much as the candidate wants to land the job.


Vanguard data analytics



Interested in our data & analytics career opportunities? Start your search here.

 



Vanguard data analytics“I’m looking for highly motivated individuals that can solve business problems, using machine learning, and are passionate about learning new ways of delivering value to support Vanguard’s goals.”

-Eduardo F., hiring manager



Advice for recent data & analytics graduates

The easiest way to get introduced to potential employers after graduating, or preferably before graduating, is to have your professor write you a letter of recommendation for a desired employer. In a lot of cases, schools are well connected to employers in their local areas and even nationally. In addition to typical data knowledge, you may also want to learn code, and be able to clearly communicate technical concepts. What they don’t teach in school, though, is that you need to be a generalist as well. I find that some students are boxed into using one set of tools that they’ve learned in college. I’d recommend looking into methods outside your comfort zone to add to your problem-solving tool box. Learning and practicing work from different vantage points will give you a diverse way of seeing and approaching problems. But the best advice I’d have for any data scientist would be to stay current. Employers love when they know a candidate is continuously honing their skills. There are many sites and nano degrees out there to practice and uncover knowledge gaps.


Sharing the data analytics story

So how does Vanguard reach candidates in such a competitive market? One of the most effective ways we start conversations with candidates is by sharing content that has meaning for them. For example, we’ve recently launched a data analytics page on our career site. This page showcases why our data scientists are an elite group with deep experience in diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. It shows that they solve Vanguard’s hardest, messiest questions with creative approaches and techniques. We’ve also created several videos so our crew can talk about their work, impact, and career journeys. Most importantly, they give our data scientists, engineers, analysts, a way to share a day in their lives here at Vanguard. I think they’ve got a great story to tell.

 


Vanguard data analytics

Brian Uff, data & analytics recruiter

Connect with me on LinkedIn

 



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Veteran

Boots to Suits: Transitioning to the corporate world as a veteran

November 11, 2018/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Diversity & inclusion, Voyage to Vanguard adoption experience, air force, care, career, corporate world, crew, experience, financial, financial advisor, financial services, know precisely, leader, mission, path to vanguard, people, retail services, served, services, vanguard, work /by fdoerr

Boots to Suits: Transitioning to the corporate world as a veteran

Recently, I was invited to be on a panel at Vanguard that focused on the experience of female veterans transitioning into the corporate world. Why did I receive this invitation, you ask? Because I’m a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, having served from 1990-1999.  I left the USAF after serving in a variety of roles stateside as well as in the Middle East and Japan, and I consider those years to be my most formative as a professional.

What struck me about my fellow panelists at that event was that our respective transition experiences varied greatly. After I separated from service, I spent a short period of time as a stay-at-home parent before taking on part-time roles as an instructor of economics and later as a financial advisor. In 2011 I finally transitioned back into the workforce full-time at Vanguard. In contrast, one of the other women on the panel served as a reservist and the third went directly into the corporate world after leaving the military. Although how we all got to this company differed greatly, being a part of that event reminded me of why I feel so energized and happy to work at Vanguard.




Leadership

At Vanguard, as in the military, leaders are expected to prioritize their people. I learned very early on that if you take care of your people, they will take care of you. Vanguard does an exceptional job of prioritizing and committing resources to crew development—and the results of that focus are crystal clear to me each and every day. We push crew to embrace and take advantage of training, some of which is mandatory and a lot of which is voluntary and available on-demand. As a leader at Vanguard, I spend an enormous amount of time coaching crew, in one-on-one sessions with my direct reports, and meeting with crew in my line. Everyone has their own passions and career aspirations, but I have always believed that my first priority as a leader was to figure out how to best support each and every one of the people who report to me on a daily basis. When our crew feel supported and valued, they in turn dedicate themselves to providing our clients with a world-class experience.




Mission driven

As an Air Force officer, I came to deeply appreciate the importance of having a clear and unified mission. Vanguard stands out within the financial services industry not because we have a mission (lots of financial services companies have one), but because the mission at Vanguard is simple, clear, and applicable to each and every one of us. If you want to get a team to make progress towards a goal, every member has to know precisely where you’re going. Ideally, they also understand why you’re going there. How you get there can be different across the organization, but the final destination must be a clearly defined point on a map, whether literally or figuratively. I love working at this company because I know precisely where we’re going in the very confusing world of investments and what we are all collectively trying to do.




Responsibility

A final similarity I’ll share between the military and Vanguard is that in both cases the people doing the job feel a strong sense of responsibility to those they are serving. Every day I overhear our crew working through very challenging client situations; without fail, what strikes me is the deep sense of ownership and accountability exhibited by those I work with. The best comes out of people when they are taking care of other people. At Vanguard, we take care of our clients, and we never stop trying.

On Veterans Day this year, I am grateful for the years I served and for those with whom I served. I am also extremely grateful for the chance to work at this company, because I can honestly say that I usually leave work feeling like I made a difference. More than anything, I’m grateful to spend my days, my energy, and my intellect at a place where smart, ethical people devote themselves to achieving the Vanguard mission of giving every investor the best chance for investment success.

-Anne-Marie G.



We’re hiring! Make your career count at Vanguard.

 



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Dru J Airman

From Airman to crew member: Presenting the best of myself

November 7, 2018/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Diversity & inclusion, Voyage to Vanguard /by fdoerr
Vanguard signage

From Airman to crew member: Presenting the best of myself

I began my working career as an Airman in the US Air Force. After serving 8 years, I recognized the strength of the core values I gained: Honesty, Integrity, and Service before Self. Those values, coupled with the foundation set during my childhood, created the woman I am today and help to drive every decision I make.

In 2003, I separated from the Air Force after determining that one of my goals of becoming an officer could not be realized due to a prerequisite change in the application process. Feeling a bit lost and unclear of the path ahead, I began the search for the next chapter of my career journey. I relocated to Charlotte, NC and was introduced to Vanguard. Shortly after, I was extended the opportunity to join the company–officially transitioning from Airman to crew member.


Vanguard vets veterans armed services



Joining a company with a variety of growth opportunities was an important factor for me. Fortunately at Vanguard, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally in countless ways throughout the duration of my career. Often times it has been through a job assignment which required an expanded set of skills. However, I’ve also grown by being in tune with my abilities and knowing when I needed to enhance a competency. One of those competency’s I knew I wanted to gain more knowledge on—and be more effective at—was communication.

I always knew how critical it was to be an effective communicator, but also knew I wanted to become stronger in this area. To that end, last year I signed up for our internal Toastmasters club. While I was reluctant, I knew that only positive results could arise from the experience.  Since becoming a member, I’ve become more comfortable with speaking in public settings, more confident in presenting ideas, more assured to share input. For example, I’ve agreed to take on key roles in events such as moderating a Fireside Chat (or Meeting with the North Carolina Leadership team and) with our Chief Human Resources Officer at Vanguard, and on a more personal front I recently served as the master of ceremonies and also a presenter during a women’s conference at church.




To shift gears to written communication, a few years ago I sought out a class on the topic of business communication. While I walked away with many tips, I regularly leverage a couple best practices for communication via email specifically.

  • Balance when to leverage email vs phone. For example: if the email will take more than three exchanges, make a phone call.
  • Keep information succinct to capture the reader’s attention. For example: if the reader has to scroll down the email to obtain all of the written content, chances are: the email is not succinct enough. Make it a goal to ‘eliminate the scroll’.

There are situations when a more thorough communication is relevant (perhaps in written form and/or planning for a presentation). In those instances, it’s important to find the right mix of information to share and I like to use the “5 W’s + How” as my template:

  • Who is my audience
  • What does my audience need to know
  • When is the decision needed, the change occurring etc.
  • Where is the impact if applicable
  • Why is the change or recommendation needed and
  • How will the plan be implemented

These steps have helped me to keep messaging as concise as possible while sharing what the audience really needs to know.

In closing, I share my complete gratitude to be part of an organization who truly cares about our Clients, our Crew, and our Communities. I feel honored that Vanguard cares enough about our crew to support and encourage continued development. I was proud to serve our country and I’m equally proud to serve our shareholders.

-Dru J.



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Questions not to ask a recruiter

What NOT to ask a Recruiter

October 25, 2018/in Advice from crew company, conversation, corporate, employees, hiring, history center, interesting, interview, know, linkedin, question, questions, read, recruiter, recruiters, share, speak, speak with a recruiter, time, time to reflect /by fdoerr
Questions not to ask a recruiter

What NOT to ask a Recruiter

Recruiters love hiring candidates into their dream jobs and roles they strongly desire. When you speak with a recruiter, make sure to consider how the recruiter may react to your communication with them. Sell yourself. Show your enthusiasm. Recruiters are very perceptive and will take note of anything you share, so do not take the initial conversation lightly. They are great resources for the company you are targeting but they are also the “gatekeepers”; a company’s link between you and the hiring manager.

The questions you ask can say a lot about you as a candidate. Make sure your questions are thoughtful, genuine, and show that you have done a little research on the role you are targeting. Here are some suggestions on the best questions to ask—and a few to avoid.


Questions not to ask a recruiter



Vanguard LogoReady to begin your career search? Make it count—explore our opportunities.

 



“What does your company do?”

Never speak with a recruiter without having some idea about what their company does. There is no greater turn-off to a recruiter than for you to know nothing about their company, and no greater compliment than for you to know a few interesting facts. These days you can find interesting tidbits from a quick internet search, or you can be a real superstar and watch a few of the company’s videos. Watching the company’s employees by video is a great way to develop engaging questions for your interview. Or bring up an interesting fact you learned from recent news and ask the recruiter to share their opinion.

“Is there anything I should have asked and didn’t?”

Under no circumstances should you ever ask this one. Always, always, always prepare thoughtful questions for the end of your interview. When you have no questions, the recruiter assumes you are not interested in the opportunity or that you are unable to think strategically. Instead, ask if there is anything more you should know. Never end an interview without a question for your interviewer.

“How many vacation days would I receive?”

Try not to ask questions that can be answered by visiting the company’s career site. Make sure to conduct proper research and maybe even teach the recruiter a thing or two. Instead, read blogs, watch videos, read corporate news, look at company reviews on employer review sites, and connect with alumni from your school, or other company employees on LinkedIn.

“What do you like about your job?”

This isn’t a terrible question, but unless you are interviewing for a job in Human Resources, our answer may not help you at all. As an alternative, ask what they like about the company and uncover information that will help you to make a better decision against other offers. Remember when I suggested that you connect with other employees with similar interests? Well, that is a great question for your connections.

“How did I do in the interview?”

Never ask this question. Recruiters need time to reflect on their conversation with you or take time to speak with the hiring manger. In the moment we will not be able to share feedback with you. Instead, proceed with your own process of reflection. Follow up with a thank you note which can even include any additional points you failed to mention in the conversation.

Interviews are scary for most people, but remember that your recruiter is human, too. They are trying to fill a position (or many positions) so they always want you to do well. Keep in mind that if you do not receive the role, do not take it personally. There may be limited positions or other candidates were a better fit for some reason. Your professionalism throughout the process will make you a great candidate for another position in the future!

-Kassie H.



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