Archive for category: Day in the Life
This is par for the course for my dad, a physician who brought home a new story about his patients’ lives every night of my childhood. Nothing fails to capture his interest: tell him about your carpentry business, pet Chihuahua, granddaughter’s school project, cross country move, wacky theory, or favorite fishing spot. He will ask you another question, and probably another after that. Far from being tangential to their medical care, these conversations are my dad’s path to treating his patients best. He builds trust naturally because of his genuine curiosity about other people. In return, his patients are more willing to share information with him and follow his advice.
At Vanguard, I work in Personal Advisor Services, partnering with our managed clients to help them make the best financial decisions and meet their goals. Recently, our entire advisor team in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina had the pleasure of hearing a presentation by Mitch Anthony, a preeminent financial planning author and speaker who focuses on what he calls “life-centered financial planning”. Mitch shared an anecdote about a financial advisor who was held in particularly high regard by his clients. Mitch asked the advisor to distill his career success into one word, and the advisor replied “curiosity”.
Ah-ha! Over the years, I have often thought about the similarities between my job and my father’s. In both of our fields, we build relationships and share expertise as a means to help people live better lives. But it isn’t just that both positions share an analysis of client or patient needs, a reliance on technical subject matter expertise, and the communication of recommendations. What jumps out at me most is that I, too, leave work reflecting on all of the stories I’ve heard from my clients.
Last year, I was finally able to convince a particularly frugal couple to upgrade their truck (ten years old instead of twenty). Though they’d recently received a large inheritance, they were determined to be good stewards of what their parent’s generation had built from the ground.
Last month, a seventh generation Texan who rents out the farmhouse passed down from her great- great-grandparents told me that her tenants are out of work because of COVID-19. She’s giving them a break on their rent, because she’s ‘been there’.
More recently, I’ve had encounters with the following individuals: a client who found meaning in training therapy dogs after a career in public service; a newly retired client in a race against the seasonal clock to build a greenhouse for his wife’s flower garden; a client who described the Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution as an annual Christmas gift from her late father.
What I think of as “genuine curiosity” is not the same as small talk or nosiness. The only agenda is to learn about another person in order to better understand them. As Mitch Anthony described to us in his presentation, this understanding is key in evaluating what our clients are trying to achieve and personalizing the best way for them to get there. Given two clients with the same situation on paper – similar fixed income, debt, and savings levels – nine times out of ten I will come up with a different investment recommendation after speaking to them.
Another overlap between my dad’s career and my own is that we came to our chosen professions via a winding path. He studied religion and was preparing to go to divinity school when he changed course. I began to learn about personal finance only after joining Vanguard. I am a bookworm and a people person, and the idea of being a financial planner hooked me within days of arriving on campus. After studying for my Series 7 and 63 exams, I wanted to learn more and help our clients more directly. I was accepted to an eighteen month program to become a Vanguard advisor which involved training courses, shadowing tenured advisors, and taking my Certified Financial Planner™ exam.
Since becoming an advisor, the magical part of the job hasn’t changed. It always comes down to two things: learning about my clients, and collaborating with my colleagues. The advisors I work alongside are incredibly diverse in terms of their academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds, as well as their personalities and communication styles– we have extroverts, introverts, and a lot of good-natured crew across our three sites. It’s hard to overstate the value of this variety when it comes to helping other human beings with their money, in particular because we seek input from each other and our business partners in technology and methodology on a constant basis.
Across this diversity, I would argue that genuine curiosity is something that all of Vanguard’s advisors share. We are sounding boards, problem solvers, and teammates with each other and with our clients. If this is a field that you have ever considered (or haven’t considered, yet!), I would encourage you not to dismiss it simply because you didn’t tell your Kindergarten class that you wanted to become a financial planner. Being a financial advisor at Vanguard has allowed me to build strong relationships, have a positive impact, and constantly learn – I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
-Mary T.
One million. That is the number of students Vanguard’s My Classroom Economy (MyCE) program has reached since its launch just under a decade ago. My Classroom Economy is a free financial literacy program and classroom management system for teachers that allows students to learn financial responsibility through hands-on learning. My Classroom Economy, and its sister program My Home Economy (for parents and guardians), are entirely powered by volunteers across Vanguard. These crew dedicate time and talent outside of their “day jobs” to fuel a “passion project” that is part of Vanguard’s suite of community programs. For me, my “day job” is in our business that serves financial advisors, specifically Registered Investment Advisors. In my role as Channel Lead, my team works with our sales group and clients to develop and execute strategy for how we can best serve this important client base. Within MyCE, I’ve volunteered in a number of roles and am proud to currently serve as the Program Chair.
Anyone that knows me has heard me say that MyCE is the perfect marriage of two of my passions- education and personal finance. Before I came to Vanguard I completed the Teach for America program, teaching seventh grade math at a school in Charlotte, North Carolina. I found my way to Vanguard by following a tip received from teammates on an intramural kickball team and channeling my finance degree. I started at Vanguard in Client Services, helping clients meet their investment needs. I remember a colleague leaning over my desk and making the connection that as a former teacher, I might want to learn about this financial literacy program Vanguard offered. I went to an information session and was hooked. My Classroom Economy linked what I loved about my pre-Vanguard career with my current one, allowing me to stay deeply connected to the education community, while growing professionally with a company I love.
I’m exceptionally proud of our recent milestone of reaching one million students. But to me, it is more than just a milestone. It is a million lives impacted and put on a more responsible financial trajectory because of the dedication of their teachers and the passion of a volunteer team. In pausing to celebrate this manifestation of how volunteer hours have made a real difference, I also was struck not only by what I’ve given to the program over the years, but what it has given me. My time with MyCE not only helped me continue to feel fulfilled professionally, but it also has played a pivotal role in driving my career at Vanguard. My peers in the program would say the same about their own experiences. Again, more than just a milestone.
After seven and a half years and several different “day jobs” at Vanguard, I’ve realized that my volunteer roles allowed me to learn new skillsets and pursue interests before making career leaps. I took on a strategic assignment with MyCE, analyzing options for a potential program expansion before joining Vanguard’s Corporate Strategy group as an analyst. MyCE helped me learn how to be a people leader, first by leading the MyCE team in North Carolina and then stepping into the Program Chair seat, leading the full volunteer team of roughly 150 crew. Along the way I’ve had the chance to sharpen skills in public speaking, stakeholder management and even sales, all of which have translated to my “day jobs”.
As I think about the next million kids that My Classroom and My Home Economy will impact, I’m confident that impact will continue to extend to those volunteers behind the scenes who power the program. I think it is so important to find a place to give back that allows you to pursue a passion. That passion will be what keeps you coming back to give your time year after year. And while you’re there, embrace the opportunities to sharpen your skills and learn new things. You might not realize it at the time (I certainly didn’t), but you might just be laying the foundation for your next career move.
-Meg T.
I grew up in a single-parent household for much of my childhood. It was during those years that life quickly taught me how important it is to have a trusted financial guide regardless of where you fall on the wealth spectrum. As I entered my teenage years, I was fortunate enough to begin learning and understanding some basic financial concepts such as budgeting and savings. I remember reflecting during that time and realizing that if I applied these concepts sooner rather than later I could help change the trajectory of my family for generations to come. That’s when I knew that I wanted to focus my career and passion on helping people in every stage of life achieve financial peace.
I joined Vanguard upon my college graduation. I started on my path towards becoming a financial advisor in Personal Advisor Services (PAS) early on in my career journey, and I remember connecting with several female financial advisor mentors. What I quickly realized is that Vanguard is made up of a community of kind, collaborative, and humble human beings that genuinely want the best for you and others. They were instrumental in building my confidence to share my voice at the table and helped me overcome my test anxiety to successfully pass licensing and certification exams. I can honestly say that if it were not for the mentorship and development programs Vanguard sponsored, I would not have been successful in my goal of becoming a financial advisor and eventually a leader in Personal Advisor Services.
While working in PAS, I have never felt more connected to the Vanguard mission. Each day we work to help clients, to mentor others, and to develop ourselves. I am fortunate enough to see my peers supporting one another through new challenges, and I’m continuously encouraged to think outside of the box and learn skills that push me beyond my comfort level. I see these core principles demonstrated every day when I watch my team of advisors work tirelessly to assist clients. We take a stand for everyone, whether it’s the new family planning for a multitude of goals, the retiree nervous about leaving the workforce, or even the single parent with a story similar to my own upbringing.
Vanguard has been my home where I’ve grown personally and professionally for the past 5 years. I’ve been supported and encouraged as I came out to my family and eventually married my wife, as I worked to obtain the CFP ® designation, and as I continually challenge myself to develop new skills. While this has been a rewarding 5 years, I’m incredibly excited for the possibilities the future holds and what the next 10, 15 and even 20 years will bring.
– Ashley M.
In the spirit of celebrating International Women’s Day, we partnered with women across Vanguard’s Investment Management Group (IMG) to hear their #LifeatVanguard stories. In this series, crew and leaders touch on a variety of meaningful topics, including what drew them to Vanguard, resources used for learning, company culture and advice for women looking to join IMG.
Laura B. opens up about her experiences working from home at the start of the pandemic. Interested in the second installment, too? Check it out here.
A virtual interview may not differ much from an in-person meeting, but there are still things you should keep in mind. We have pulled together some tips to ensure you are prepared and camera-ready.
In the month of May, the Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS) crew resource group coordinated two internal webcasts focused on working from home featuring female leaders from across Vanguard. This blog highlights the first event. Interested in the recap of the second session as well? Click here.
The mission of the Vanguard Specialty Programs (VSPs) is to advance Vanguard’s core purpose by delivering the next generation of talented and diverse leaders through focused attraction and accelerated development. In this blog, we highlight excerpts from articles our VSP managers recently published that provide insights into the personal experiences of alumni as well as crew who are currently participating in the undergraduate programs.
If you’re seeking an environment where you can make a difference and develop professionally, check out our Data & Analytics and Information Technology & Security career opportunities.
Fifteen years ago, I switched from a career in engineering to enter the world of business analytics. Luckily for me, despite a few hiccups during the first-year transition, analytics as a discipline was growing rapidly, and there were many critical skills that I could bring with me to solve countless problems facing businesses. There were some obvious advantages that this new career path in data analytics offered over engineering. First, the number of companies and job openings in the engineering world was limited and concentrated in a few tech hot spots in the country, whereas it seemed as if every company was going to have a need for an analytics department. Secondly, and more importantly, it seemed as if the number and types of challenges that businesses faced that could be addressed and solved by looking at data was going to be a lot more fun and keep me much more interested and engaged in my job than I could hope. During my time at Vanguard, I’ve switched from the role as a data analyst, to an analytics manager, back to an analyst again. Recently I moved to our Institutional Investor Group to be a data analyst, helping redesign the website for our retirement plan participants. Part of the reason I stepped down as a manager was because I saw the rapid changes occurring in our field, and had the chance to work with a group of data analysts who got to work with some great new tools. I had the privilege to work with a group of talented young analysts, who all demonstrated the critical growth mindset, and I saw them all develop so quickly into amazing contributors who really unlocked their potential. It reminded me why I chose to go into analytics in the first place – the new challenges, the need to continuously learn new tools, new problems to solve, and new people to work with. Constantly learning and growing should be part of any successful data analyst’s career development. It took me 20 years to find a career and a company that has made me truly satisfied in my work, but Vanguard has been the perfect place for me to call home the past eight years. A company with a supportive culture that values development, that also has a growing need for using data to improve decision making – that’s what I had been searching for from the beginning! There’s nothing more rewarding in a career than actually being able to draw upon your skills and experience to help people make smarter decisions to help our clients. I couldn’t be happier that I wound up at Vanguard, getting the chance to do what I’m best at, to help make our company do what it does best – help our clients achieve financial success. – Jeff W.Interestingly, when I made the switch to analytics, I had always envisioned myself working in the financial services industry. It was easy to see the data they were working with, and compared to what I was doing in engineering, looking at financial data seemed like a natural next step. Little did I know that I was actually going to be drawn into the human side of analytics, and rather than looking at data capturing prices, I’d be looking at how people made decisions and evaluated financial decisions. My first job in analytics took me to a firm that used behavioral finance, A/B testing and terabits of data to make decisions on how to optimally extend credit terms to customers. My next destination took me to a marketing agency that used data to evaluate how people selected health care and insurance plans. Without knowing it, I had managed to get pulled into the world of marketing. I still had to think like an analyst, and use my training as a scientist, but I also wound up realizing that to be a complete data analyst, one had to be more of a Renaissance man, and be able to draw upon multiple disciplines to be really successful in this space.
If you’re seeking an environment where you can make a difference and develop professionally, check out our Data & Analytics and Information Technology & Security career opportunities.
I graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2002 with a Computer Engineering degree. The Institute was very close to Wall Street, and upon graduation, many of my classmates received offers from top Wall Street firms and investment banks. I too fell into the allure of working on Wall Street. I received a few offers from some of the top firms in New York—and I also received one from Vanguard, who was making it a priority to recruit from my school at the time. However, this was when the dot-com bubble burst and most of the Wall Street firms rescinded their offers for all of my classmates including me. Vanguard was the only firm that honored their commitment and did not rescind their offer. I am thankful to this day. At Vanguard, I have the opportunity to do what I always dreamt of doing and much, much more at a firm where doing right by clients and crew is the guiding principle. I joined Vanguard as a software engineer and never looked back. At the time, all I wanted to do was to apply what I had learned in school to real life problems, but didn’t have much thought about where I applied them. As time went on, I realized how fortunate I was to be at Vanguard, whose main mission was to help people all over the world reach their financial dreams. Knowing you’re doing well for others is incredibly rewarding. I got the best of both worlds: I could apply my passion in technology and apply it at a company whose mission is to lift people up. I also got to work on our trading systems, sales systems, mobility (iOS) systems, customer relationship management systems and so on, all while learning about and applying analytics to everything we did.
From a career perspective, Vanguard invested in my professional development. Today, I’m the Head of AI & Machine Learning for Enterprise Advice. focused on artificial intelligence and data science. About 7 years ago, with the advent of big data technology and infrastructure, I started to focus on advanced analytics and data science exclusively. I saw an opportunity to use data science and artificial intelligence to provide better, more personalized, and smarter services to our investors.
Vanguard now wants to do for financial advice what we did for Exchange Traded Funds and mutual funds: make top notch, holistic advice accessible to anyone who needs it at an incredibly low price. That’s where my team comes in. I now help lead our advanced analytics and artificial intelligence team for Vanguard’s advice program. My department is comprised of data engineers, data scientists and artificial intelligence and machine learning scientists who collaborate closely with our investment experts and economists. And they come from diverse educational backgrounds—some have computer science or engineering backgrounds, while others studied physics or statistics.
In order to create highly personalized advice experiences, we seek to incorporate behavioral economics to better personalize the advice needed. To that end we are utilizing artificial intelligence and other data science techniques on a variety of financial advice projects. Our goal is to create experiences and services that will help more people than ever before reach their financial goals. My team is directly empowering Vanguard’s mission and I personally feel inspired every day to come to work. Being able to learn about cutting edge technology in artificial intelligence and data science and use it to help as many people as possible is extremely rewarding.
Investing is complex, and sometimes, it’s a challenge for people to know how to make wise investment and financial decisions. Vanguard is committed to giving investors all over the world a fair shake, and is investing in services—such as advice—to do so. I am passionate about trail blazing artificial intelligence and machine learning at Vanguard, which is enabling us to fulfill our mission and help millions of people all over the world reach financial independence.
Now, who will join us on this noble mission?
-Amir A.
If you’re seeking an environment where you can make a difference and develop professionally, check out our Data & Analytics and Information Technology & Security career opportunities.
I never expected to be saying ‘I’m a researcher at Vanguard,’ but I’m so glad I said yes to this opportunity over a year ago.
In my interviews, the hiring managers expressed that they wanted a ‘creative ethnographer’ to round out the skill set of the research team. I was skeptical, but it certainly piqued my interest as many large companies don’t appreciate the value of listening to and being with their customers in real life.
Vanguard is on a trajectory of change and we know that to modernize, we have to keep an ear to the ground when it comes to clients and prospects. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Client Experience & Digital (CXD) team.
Oh, and daily life at Vanguard is pretty stellar.
A few things worth noting to help paint the picture:
If there is one ‘must have’ for working in CXD, I’d say it’s pioneering spirit. There is a level of patience with the old and enthusiasm for the new that will keep you happy and inspired. There is plenty to do! Put Vanguard on your radar. You may be pleasantly surprised with what transpires.
-Julie K.
Lisa H., Program Manager for the Emerging Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
sits down with Marcos V., a member of the 2018 cadre about his experience with ELDP and Vanguard. Marcos shares, “The culture here at Vanguard is built around our 3 C’s – Clients, Crew, and Community – and how all three work together is the key to our success! Being a participant in a rotational program has provided me with broad and unique experiences that have prepared me to contribute to the company in many ways. In addition to my program and rotation responsibilities, I have the opportunity to get involved in on-campus clubs such as Toastmasters and CRG’s (crew resource groups), including the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA). These opportunities to build relationships and skills outside of your day job are what makes working at a company like Vanguard truly rewarding.”
Elijah A., Program Manager for the Technology Leadership Program (TLP)
shares Natasha M.’s story. Natasha is an Early Start TLP in the 2020 cadre on the Application Development track who says, “The most important pieces of advice I can give are pretty cliché: be yourself and have a purpose. Vanguard is always striving for a diverse set of crew members from all backgrounds, as that’s how we cultivate new ideas and appreciations. But Vanguard is also very compassionate towards its clients and crew members. We have a purpose and care about that purpose, so it helps if you do, too.”
Lynn M., Program Manager for the Acceleration into Financial Professional Program (AFP)
connected with program participant, Kiara K. about her Vanguard journey. Kiara shares, “Aside from the great reputation Vanguard has, the benefits and the rotational culture throughout the enterprise, this is what set Vanguard apart from other companies I was looking to join. Fast forward to my role as an AFP program participant, my rotation manager and program manager still continue to express that same interest in making sure my rotation is an impactful learning experience and that I am growing as a professional.”
Jillian C., Program Manager for the Investment Management Development Program (IMDP)
sits down with program alumnus, Max W., who is now publishing research as a member of Vanguard’s economics team. Speaking of the IMDP offer, Max says, “IMDP is a unique offer because it affords you subject matter depth and breadth as well as the chance to build a network and learn from different leaders as you rotate. IMDP’s rotational structure means you can become a specialist four times in two years and ensures you never stop learning. During each rotation, you will be trained to be a fully-fledged member of the team. The advantage is a deep skillset you develop in each role while having the unique opportunity to learn about four areas of the investment management trade. Each rotation will also grow your network and afford you the chance to learn from different leadership styles and team dynamics as you think about your own leadership ambitions.”
Daniel S., Program Manager for the Financial Advisor Development Program (FADP)
shares Brittney H.’s story. Brittney attended a Vanguard EXPLORE Day, completed the College to Corporate Advice Internship, and later accepted an offer to join FADP. She says, “My favorite part of being a member of FADP is my team. No matter if it’s studying or taking client phone calls, I have the chance to go through this whole experience with like-minded individuals who I don’t see as just coworkers, but friends. We are there to support each other through anything, both work and non-work related, and love hanging out inside and outside of the office. I am very lucky to have them. The transition from college to corporate life can be tough, but being surrounded by people going through the same thing makes it easier.”
Interested in exploring VSP career opportunities? Click here to learn more.
A year ago, I was asked to take on a role that was outside my comfort zone. I said yes, and here’s what I learned.
Last year I was in a good spot. I enjoyed my work and was learning a division of our business that I hadn’t worked in before, and was building and growing my team. I was working for a great leader who supported me and helped me grow. In short, I was happy and things were going well. Then, I was asked to consider a leadership role on a firm-wide transformational program working in a deeply technical environment where I hadn’t worked before. I was both flattered and hesitant. I was asked to take on the role because of my expertise and skill, but I’d need to navigate the new environment….and quickly! As I thought it through and discussed the role with my sounding board, I realized that this role would stretch me. I could bring what I do best and I would have an opportunity to learn and grow.
Immediately, I was challenged. Within days of starting the role, I was told of a firm-wide tabletop exercise, scheduled for four weeks away. It sounded interesting and I was thrilled to participate. My “Hunt for the Red October” moment came when I asked who was leading it. “…you are!” was the answer! It was a long four weeks spent quickly coming up to speed and leaning on peers whom I had just met, but the result was a very successful event. It was a great experience and a good way to get my feet wet.
Soon after, my days were filled with meetings that were jam-packed with jargon and lingo that was foreign to me. As I took notes, I circled what I didn’t understand and forced myself to ask for an explanation. It wasn’t easy; I was used to being the “go to” person with answers and it was uncomfortable to admit when I didn’t know something. But, as I asked for explanations, my knowledge grew…and I started to build relationships. While I was worried about being a burden, my peers actually liked answering my questions. In meetings, I saw the same peers shift to start to explain concepts and acronyms as part of discussions.
What was surprising to me was how rich the conversations became. I discovered that others had similar questions, and those with the answers started to ask me questions about the expertise I brought to the role. I was happy that I could help my peers learn, too.
It would have been easier to ignore things, both about the role and what I didn’t know. Getting out of my comfort zone actually expanded it. I’ve learned a great deal and am indebted to those who helped me along the way, and it’s gratifying to know that I’ve helped them, too.
So, here’s what I learned (beyond the acronyms and lingo!):
Thank you to everyone who’s helped me and has answered my questions…and my follow up questions. You have expanded my world! If I can help you out, even in a small way, give me a shout.
-Lynn E.
Camila: Hi everyone my name is Camila, I attend the University of Texas at El Paso. I am a College to Corporate Business Intern, and I am currently working with the Vanguard Retirement Plan Access Department this summer.
Alex: Hello everyone, my name is Alex I am a rising junior studying computer science engineering at the University of Michigan and I am a College to Corporate Application Development Intern, working with the Enterprise Advice division at Vanguard.
Natasha: Hi! My name is Natasha and I am C2C Investment Management intern this summer under the Transaction Cost Analysis team. I’m a rising junior at the University of Michigan, pursuing a dual degree in finance and computer science, with a minor in Music.
Camila: And I’m going to show you what a virtual intern does on a day-to-day basis. So since I am a virtual intern I am working remotely from my hometown and I basically made my kitchen into an office. This is my kitchen table.
Natasha: Welcome to my room converted into an office.
Alex: Due to the remote nature of our internship, we use Microsoft Team and Outlook mainly, to stay connected with each other.
Camila: I get to meet with leaders, I get to talk to my managers, really cool things that I didn’t know I was going to be able to do from home.
Natasha: I can still stay fully connected with rest of Vanguard. We have a lot of different events like game shows and community service.
Alex: Even though the internship is remote, the company has also done a great job to make sure we’re still able to network and connect with the other interns. Two weeks ago, we had a virtual team building session where we bonded with all the other interns remotely.
Camila: I have been able to participate in Vanguard events, and trainings, and so many things virtually.
Alex: Later today I have an intern project meeting around lunchtime, to update our technical leads on our progress. I am currently working on a project team with four other interns to develop an internal web application.
Natasha: For some of my project so far, I’ve been working mostly in the FX and Treasury Future space.
Camila: So for my project I am actually working in my department of Vanguard Retirement Plan Access. And I’m helping with the Sales Territory Map Analysis. As you can see I have a lot of meetings so I do my project work in between.
Alex: Vanguard also assigns each of us a buddy and a pod leader that acts as mentors, and we have regular meetings with them as well.
Natasha: As part of the internship, I get two buddies. One of them is on my team, and then the other one is in the rotational program. Having a buddy helps me to get acclimated to both the company as well as my team, and acts as a resource that I can just ask quick questions to.
Alex: Overall, the College to Corporate Internship gives us a view into how Vanguard uses technology to solve business problems, and to help people achieve their financial goals. Right now is also a very interesting time to work for Vanguard, because technology is a key strategic focus for the company. This provides ample opportunities for us to work on cool projects, which will be used by real customers and/or business functions.
Camila: My experience so far has been an amazing one. I have been able to connect with leadership, I’ve been able to connect with my interns that have really enhanced my experience here. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a company that really goes out of their way in making sure that their interns get an amazing virtual experience.
Natasha: As you can see, despite the virtual internship experience, everyone at Vanguard can still stay fully connected with each other. I hope you enjoy this little insight into a Vanguard intern’s life.
Alex: Thanks for watching.
Natasha: Don’t forget to follow @lifeatvanguard.
Camila: On Instagram and all other social media. Thank you.