Connecting with the Vanguard mission
Meet Tiamoy W. She learned about Vanguard at a job fair and shortly after launched her career in Client Services. “I think what excites me the most is getting on the phone and knowing that you’re going to change someone’s life.” Watch her full story below:
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fdoerr2018-08-10 15:40:032018-08-10 15:40:03Redefining success at Vanguard
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fdoerr2018-08-08 06:00:162018-08-07 22:52:36Three experiences that paved my path to Vanguard
What a career as a financial advisor looks like at Vanguard
Vanguard’s financial advisors are using time-proven investment methodology to offer investment solutions that lead our clients confidently toward their business or personal financial goals. In these blogs, our financial advisors share their personal experiences in pursuing a career in this field and the impact they’ve had in driving successful investment results for clients.
It’s the end of the day as I know it- and I feel fine
Learn about why Melissa chose to restart her career in finance at Vanguard as a financial advisor.
Why I value Vanguard’s reputation and investment approach as an advisor
In this Vanguard careers blog, Vahan T. reveals what makes him proud to serve clients as a Vanguard Financial Advisor.
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Vanguard crew members in Client Services share their perspectives on career choices, teamwork, and how they contribute to Vanguard’s mission.
I wasn’t just hired, I was welcomed
As a student, I always wondered what it’d be like to transition into the real-world. More specifically for me, into the corporate world.
To help bridge the gap from education to employment, my university offers 6-month co-ops – an opportunity to work full time and receive college credit alternating with periods of classroom study. Entering my junior year at college, I knew it was time to pick a company where I could learn new skills and how to make that big transition. But, which company should I choose? Was a small company or large corporation a better fit? Which industry was right for me? So many questions were running through my mind. After some research, I found Vanguard had a position I was interested in. I worked hard on my application and earned an interview. I vividly remember driving to my interview and wondering if I would fit in and what working at Vanguard would be like.
Interviewing & interning
From the moment I walked in the door, I was met with a warm reception. I remember my interview like it was yesterday–I told my interviewer that I was interested in personal growth, professional development, and purpose. We had a great conversation about my goals and Vanguard’s mission. To this day, we still keep in touch and discuss what’s going on in our lives – both professionally and personally. My relationship with her was instrumental in navigating through my co-op at Vanguard and one of the main reasons I chose to accept a position at Vanguard after graduation!
During my co-op, I worked in Institutional Marketing and Communications. My manager was excellent. He connected me with so many crew members, many of whom became trusted advisors who I still consult before big decisions. These mentors have helped me strategize ways to turn my weaknesses into strengths, challenged me to look through a long-term lens when making decisions, and ultimately pushed me to apply for one of Vanguard’s Leadership Development Programs.
Why it mattered
My 6 month co-op came to a close, and as I returned to Drexel for my senior year, I kept in contact with many crew members. The following summer, I returned to Vanguard as an intern with Vanguard Charitable to support a busy giving season. In such a close-knit environment, coupled with the holiday spirit, I developed friendships across the organization. Because of those close relationships, I agreed to return part-time to a role in Research & Strategy. I continue to catch-up with my old team whenever our schedules allow.
As I was entering my last semester at Drexel, I shared my excitement at my college graduation on LinkedIn and thanked those that helped me cross the finish line. Little did I know, the reach would be in the thousands. Hundreds of crew members liked and commented, welcoming me into the company. The fact that crew members who I never met before were so enthusiastic and accepting was humbling. It reassured me that I found a company with a sense of community and family.
The little things count
Another uplifting moment happened while I was struggling to find a conference room. It was the end of the day and most of the office had already headed home. I clearly looked lost, reading every sign to find the meeting location. A woman rushing to catch an elevator paused and asked, “Looking for a room?” I nodded, a little embarrassed, and told her the room number. Instead of just pointing me in the right direction, she took the time to personally walk me to the room. This may seem like a small thing, but to someone who is new, it can mean the world when someone shows a little kindness.
A few months later, I came aboard as a full-time employee. When I came back to the Malvern campus, previous co-workers and managers were excited to connect and hear my updates. That reassured me that our relationships were not static–they were active and lively. And since my start date, I’ve connected with so many people across divisions and in various positions.
Coming out of college, there is a sense of angst and wonder around the corporate environment. But my fears disappeared once I came to Vanguard. From my first face-to-face interaction with crew to launching my career here, I have cultivated and deepened so many valuable relationships.
-Cayla R.
If you enjoyed this post, check out more from our #LifeatVanguard Blog. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, check out our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.
Q&A with a Vanguard Senior Portfolio Manager
To learn more about the career of an investment management crew member, Gemma offered her insight in this Q&A. Gemma is currently a senior portfolio manager in the fixed income active rates team. Her team manages the active US Treasury and US Inflation Linked securities funds. She joined Vanguard in 2011 as a mid-career hire after a career in investment banking and a stint as a portfolio manager at a global sovereign wealth fund. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and travelling. In your LinkedIn profile you mention that you are part of a small cadre of women portfolio managers in the asset management industry. Tell us more about this and why you think that is. Morningstar and Bloomberg recently published articles on women in asset management and have highlighted that there are 14 Fixed Income funds managed solely by women in the US. At Vanguard, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to manage 4 of those funds. There are also other female portfolio managers who manage global fixed income and global equity funds at Vanguard. The attrition rate of gender diversity has risen in the asset management industry since the great financial recession. Research has shown that the broader the diversity within teams, the higher the return potential. This is paramount in an environment where overall investment returns are low and it behooves companies to seek out opportunities to boost returns. I am honored that I can be a role model for younger diverse crew who may be considering a career path into portfolio management. What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self as you were starting your career? I would always keep your dreams and aspirations in front of you. Assess what skills and competencies you would need for such roles and take necessary steps to build those by taking on roles that can be stepping stones to your ultimate destination. This is a competitive environment so don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new even if it is not a direct path to attaining your dream job. If it offers a new skill or competency, it adds to your personal growth. Additionally, credentials, such as an accreditation or a secondary degree, can be helpful in your professional development and broadening overall business acumen. I have had two different careers within the investment world as a result of my willingness to builds skills and take risks.
What obstacles did you run into and what helped you overcome them?
Years ago while working in investment banking as a professional and a new mother, I had to make difficult career choices to manage both aspects of my life in such a way that I felt fulfilled and I could bring my whole self to the office and home. I have learned over the years that work and life are not a perfect balance and that I shift between the demands from both over time. Above all, I have had a tremendous network of both women and men along with a supportive spouse who have helped me keep my sense of humor and perspective. I have also had supportive bosses who helped me prioritize my family when there were conflicts and encouraged me to advance my career.
Did you have any mentors? How have they supported you in your career?
I was fortunate to have two mentors and a sponsor who helped me to take command of my career, to take roles that presented risks because the long game necessitated that I build skills and experiences, and to build and expand my support network. I found these individuals by chance (elevator pitch) or through my network. They were all senior executives but their business and market acumen along with their wisdom were instructive in helping shape each phase of my professional life. Born an introvert, they quickly helped me to build comfort outside of my natural inclinations. They encouraged me to ask for what I wanted, provided me with opportunities when I wasn’t looking for them (but was ready) and provided me with the moral support to be successful.
What makes you most proud of Vanguard?
There are many things of which I am proud but I would say the integrity and collaborative nature of the crew who are always guided by our mission statement – to take a stand for all investors; to treat them fairly; and to give them the best chance for investment success.
If you’d like to learn more about Gemma, please visit her profile on LinkedIn.
Bridging the gap between college and your career
I guess it shouldn’t have surprised me. There I was, a college senior, in the midst of the “Decade of Decision” and I had been stumped. Less than one year from that moment, I would graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and begin a new stage of life. Yet the number of forks in the road ahead was truly dizzying! Should I go straight into a graduate program? What about work experience? Should I pay my dues at a Big 4 accounting firm? Did I even want to work in accounting? In short, I wondered how to bridge the gap between being a recent college graduate and becoming a successful professional. With so many options to choose from, I was grateful for the recommendations of wise mentors who had successfully sailed the seas ahead that I too would soon face. As I was looking into graduate programs, one mentor explained that graduate school could be much more meaningful after a few years of work experience at an industry leading company that shared my personal values. He also encouraged me to show some initiative and attend a career fair at a larger university nearby. His counsel was full of good intentions, so a classmate and I packed our bags. (Who doesn’t love a good road trip?) That career fair helped me connect with my current employer: Vanguard.
Meaningful Work
From the moment I shook hands with my recruiter, I felt a sense of meaning behind Vanguard’s mission—to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. Finding a company with a strong purpose was important to me. Before Vanguard, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a service missionary for two years in Chile, where because of our strong core purpose and values, we were able to truly make a difference. At Vanguard, my position in our Retail Investor Group provides an opportunity where I see that purpose come to life in my daily interactions with clients. I find it very satisfying to apply the skills from my college days and accounting background as I explain complex topics related to investing. Helping clients in situations where they need guidance has proved to be my career sweet spot. I also developed a passion for teamwork during my college basketball career. My time at Vanguard has taught me that the only thing better than helping people reach their financial goals is to do it alongside peers and leaders that you really admire.
Balance
Gaining work experience is a top priority during this stage of my life, but it certainly isn’t the only focus! I enjoy spending time with my family, seeing new parts of the world, and volunteering in my community. Finding a balance between these different priorities wasn’t a new task, but I wondered what the balance would feel like once I graduated from college. Some career alternatives required a commitment to long hours at work, but Vanguard seemed to mirror my values with a focus on work-life balance. The time I spend at work is extremely engaging, but it’s my work at home that demands the best of me. Pair that work week with a generous paid-time-off package and finding that elusive balance becomes reality. I was also fortunate to qualify for paternity leave in June of 2018 after the birth of my daughter. That time helped me support my wife as we welcomed our little girl to the world.
Opportunities to Advance My Career
One thing I love about Vanguard is the variety of career paths available for crew (nautical theme intended) including Financial Advisor, Team Leader, and more. Networking is strongly encouraged, and time is provided for attending a variety of career-focused events like department overviews. A recent example was put on by our Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) group and focused on the skills required to become a successful specialist. Every month, I take time to sit down with my leader who takes an active interest in helping me prepare for my next career move. I’ve discovered that my favorite moments include time to cultivate meaningful relationships with Vanguard’s clients, so I plan to expand on that in the years ahead. I’m also excited to pursue the Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP ®) designation as I serve clients in more substantial ways.
Working at Vanguard has been essential to my professional growth in these years following my graduation. The purpose behind my work, balance between my other interests, and opportunities for additional development have made this a rewarding decision. If you find yourself in a similar situation like me in your final years in college, know that you’re not alone! In the information age, “analysis paralysis” can be a real obstacle. The encouraging thing is that you can make a great decision even if your information is incomplete. As you evaluate the different paths ahead, be sure to lean on the advice of mentors. Do your best to research options that are most important to you, like matching your personal values and doing work that you find meaningful. Once you have that figured out, trust that with some hard work and the right opportunities, you can turn any path into a rewarding career. The most important part of this stage of life is to keep moving forward. As you do, you’ll be amazed at how naturally you progress from recent graduate to successful professional.
-Josh F.
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What it means to be a thought leader
My family and friends often ask me to explain what it means to work as an investment analyst in the Investment Strategy Group at Vanguard. I answer by saying that my job is to develop thought leadership. Now, if you’re not sure what the phrase thought leadership means, you’re not alone. When I first joined Vanguard, I didn’t understand what it meant either. Essentially, within my role, thought leadership means investment research that aims to go beyond what’s already been published within the industry or showcases a differentiated opinion. This research helps Vanguard answer key topical questions: What is the value of financial advice? How should investors be thinking through decision-making in retirement? What is Vanguard’s outlook for the economy and the capital markets? Answering these questions by way of research helps Vanguard continue to educate our clients and crew—and helps further establish Vanguard as a leading investment management firm.
A vertical learning curve
When I began my rotation in the Investment Strategy Group through Vanguard’s leadership development program, I felt fairly intimidated by how much I didn’t know. The group was full of subject-matter-experts who not only conducted research, but frequently acted as ambassadors, discussing and delivering our group’s research in crew trainings, client meetings, and at industry conferences. While I had a background in economics and was passionate about investing, I was unsure about being able to contribute as a new team member within such a tenured department.
What I realized was that being surrounded by such knowledgeable leaders and analysts ensured that my learning curve was essentially vertical. The culture was so collaborative and grounded in intellectual curiosity that I quickly began to build both investment and technical acumen. Throughout various projects, I was able to leverage and maximize my own unique skillset while partnering with other analysts to bring my analytical skills and systems knowledge up to par. I loved the fact that there truly were no bad questions, and everyone was eager to share their experience and knowledge, whether it was over a casual coffee or in the midst of a department-wide town hall.
The content creation process
Shortly after completing my rotation and joining the group permanently, I was aligned to the Advisor’s Alpha research team, which focuses on investor behavior and the value of financial advice. When I began working on my first whitepaper, I collaborated with members of my team and partnered with leaders and practitioners in Vanguard’s client-facing divisions. Our goals were to create differentiated content that would shape the industry conversation and to outline best practices that would give institutional clients the best chance of achieving their mission (i.e. charity, education, retirement).
Creating thought leadership, no matter the topic, often happens in phases. We started off by doing deep dive research, poring through academic studies, industry intelligence, and previously published whitepapers. I really enjoyed the “get smart” phase because it allowed me to get a feel for the broader conversation happening in the industry around institutional advice. Then, we began outlining our approach, performing analysis, and drafting the paper. The writing phase was challenging but rewarding as we iterated through a number of versions and honed in on our structure, language, and visualization. Though it was a long journey, the skills I gained by working through the research process were invaluable.
A foundational skill set
My favorite aspect of working as an investment analyst in this group is that it’s given me broad exposure to numerous investment disciplines across the globe. While I work in Vanguard’s Scottsdale, Arizona office, the Investment Strategy Group is spread across our headquarters in Pennsylvania as well as a number of international offices, allowing us to conduct thought leadership on a global scale. By avidly reading and organically learning from experts in the department, I’ve built a base of knowledge across all of our research specialties including portfolio construction, retirement, and the economy and markets.
In addition to that wide-ranging foundation, I’ve delved deeply into my own research specialty. I realized that a challenging first step to being a thought leader and influencing industry conversation is being well-versed in what’s already been said. By leaning on my team’s experience and conducting research alongside our business partners, I’ve educated myself on the existing dialogue around investor behavior and the value of advice. In the future, I aspire to continue contributing to this dialogue as a developing thought leader (and proudly explaining my job to my friends and family when they ask!)
-Sneha K.
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Acceleration into Financial Professional Program: My first two months
Starting a new job is tough. Starting a new job as a college graduate is even tougher. Moving from one coast to the other with nothing more than what you can fit into your car to start a new job right out of college is REALLY tough. I moved 2,700 miles from San Diego to Philadelphia to participate in Vanguard’s Acceleration into Financial Professional program and couldn’t be more proud of my decision. My journey to Vanguard began as a community college transfer student at San Diego State University. I was passionate, excited, and inquisitive, but wasn’t sure how those characteristics would translate into a job. Rather than getting caught up in making every step a calculated one, I focused on doing what I knew I should. I attended the first career fair on campus and spoke to various firms. Vanguard’s booth was the one I was most excited to find. My conversation with the recruiters in attendance must have went well because the next morning, I was scheduled to interview for Vanguard’s College to Corporate internship in Scottsdale, Arizona. Fast forward almost a year and I had just concluded a challenging, fun, insightful internship with Vanguard. During my ten week internship I fell in love with the financial services industry and Vanguard’s unique values so much so that I knew it was a company I wanted to begin a long career with. Fortunately, I was offered a position in the Acceleration into Financial Professional Program. After two months as a program participant, I’d like to share what I appreciate about it and provide some additional insight into the program focusing on three themes: community, flexibility, and impact.
Community
Moving here wasn’t easy and it’s taken me a few months to truly feel settled. I’ve had to adjust to a new environment and develop a new routine. I’ve even had to come to terms with the following critically important facts; in Philadelphia, there are people that choose to eat pizza without cheese (Tomato Pie), subs are actually called “hoagies,” and saying anything bad about the Eagles is very much frowned upon. Adjusting to a new place is tough but working for a company that promotes and encourages a strong sense of community has made the transition much easier.
For example, Vanguard hosted a day in the city for our group on the Friday of our first week. That day we toured Reading Terminal Market (where I ate way too many samples), we did an escape room challenge and finished with lunch at Mission Taqueria. It was a great time for us to get to know each other and have fun outside of the confines of our cubicles. I had a blast.
Flexibility
The program has structure. You will complete four six-month rotations within various departments in Finance. You will participate in soft-skill and technical-skill trainings. You will have responsibilities and deliverables during your rotations. But beyond these, you will be heavily encouraged to drive your own unique experience. If you want to attend a Vanguard event discussing innovation and emerging trends in FinTech, you can. If you want to join a book club to build your investment acumen, you can. The leadership team acknowledges the value in developmental opportunities outside of your day-to-day responsibilities. I’ve fallen in love with this aspect of the program, as it fulfills my intellectual curiosity —and also opens doors to explore future opportunities.
Impact
For my first rotation, I was placed on the Financial Planning & Analysis team that supports the Institutional Investor Group. Our team provides business clients and senior management with strategic decision support, operational and capital planning, financial reporting, and performance measurement. In support of these functions, I’ve been able to explore fundamental analysis, process automation, forecasting techniques, and fund cash flow analysis.
From day one, the skillsets, knowledge, and drive I came to the program with have been valued by my colleagues and managers. I’ve been given projects that enable me to both showcase my strengths and also stretch my conceptual understanding of the business segments we support. Recently, the results from one of my projects helped improve a section of the insight we provide to our Finance and Institutional Investor Group leadership!
Joining a team I knew little about has been difficult. I still have a lot to learn. But knowing that the work I bring to the table is valued has made this rotation a rewarding experience. I’m new to the program and still relatively new to Vanguard and the Philadelphia area. However, after two months I am even more excited than when I began. I come to work every day with the confidence that I’ll be challenged, the peace of mind that I’ll be supported, and the excitement that I’ll have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions.
-Terrell V.
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The journey continues
With the free time to observe other departments combined with seeing how my team leader has helped me on my journey, I’ve figured out that I want to pursue either a financial advisor or leadership role. I’ve enjoyed seeing the way our leaders develop crew members through coaching and mentoring, and watching how our advisors add value to our clients’ lives by helping them accomplish their goals. It is my hope to continue to build even deeper and more meaningful relationships with my colleagues and our clients, as well as to further develop my skills in my career. Whether it be in leadership or as an advisor, I will continue to be a steward of Vanguard’s mission to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success, all while fostering this same passion with the crew and clients I work with.
With Vanguard’s flexibility and support, I have full faith that I’ll be able to succeed and in a timely manner. As my journey continues, I’m excited to know I have Vanguard’s support and would encourage others to be unafraid of using all of the wonderful resources available to you. I know that I will be able to attain the career I want at Vanguard.
-Rod M.
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Do you have an interview coming up soon? Read this blog to prepare for the STAR format questions and nail your interview!
Three Experiences That Paved My Path to Vanguard
In this blog, Team Leader Rachel shares three experiences along her path to Vanguard and why she loves being a leader.
Why I Got Rid Of My Five Year Plan
Vanguard crew member Lauren reflects on why she tossed out her five year plan and instead focused on building a career within a company and industry she grew to love.
Exploring Careers in Client Services – Retail Services
Crew member David shares his perspective on career choices, teamwork, and how he contributes to Vanguard’s mission in Retail Services.
Inclusion – It’s More Than a Policy
Hear from crew about their thoughts on LGBTQ+ inclusion at Vanguard, and learn about the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index—and how we stacked up.
Solving problems and innovating through data science
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 a Senior Manager focused on artificial intelligence and data science. About four 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 team is comprised of data engineers, data scientists and artificial intelligence engineers in collaboration with 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.
Everyday innovation from client-facing crew at Vanguard
If you were to ask most people to think of an innovative company, they would probably picture a tech start-up in Silicon Valley. That’s certainly what I used to imagine. But when I joined Vanguard, I learned that it doesn’t get much more innovative than our founder, Jack Bogle, creating the index mutual fund, resulting in the disruption of the financial services industry. A disruption that has continued over the last forty years. Vanguard has continued to invest heavily in innovation through investments in technology, a relentless search for process improvement methodologies, and the opening of the Innovation Studio in Philadelphia. But I would say the biggest commitment Vanguard has made towards innovation has been through its crew. One of the things I love most about working at Vanguard is that it recognizes the skills and abilities of its employees and empowers them to help promote meaningful change within their departments. Vanguard offers its crew multiple channels to brainstorm, share ideas, and innovate. For example, it sponsors hackathon events, which give crew a setting in which to present creative well-planned ideas to some of our most influential leaders. Vanguard has even created innovation teams to pilot new ideas and technology throughout various levels and departments.
Innovation Team
I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead one of those innovation teams. I lead a team of engaged client-facing sales crew who also specialize in driving change and innovation within their organization. Members of my team utilize their client interactions and work to create new processes to help improve the experience for clients and crew.
When a member of my team comes up with an idea or proposal, we work together to determine if it is something we can implement immediately, or if there is an opportunity to pilot the idea to see if the process or technology would benefit everyone at a broader level.
Crew that are a part of the innovation team have the opportunity to learn and develop unique skills that aren’t always as prevalent in other roles. These include conceptual thinking, project management, and presentation skills.
Culture of Innovation
I believe the key to fostering a culture of innovation relies heavily on mindset. The concept of innovation can seem ambiguous, scary, and out of reach. As a leader, I turn innovation into something that is a part of my team’s everyday norms and expectations.
Here are three main ways my crew are afforded the ability to be more innovative:
- Crew on the innovation team are provided an hour of “innovation time” each week to focus on brainstorming and developing their ideas.
- Crew are encouraged to utilize our newly established “Ideation Room”, a space constructed to maximize creative thinking and collaboration.
- Our leadership team sponsors quarterly “Pitch Day” competitions that empower our crew to team up and present their ideas. The winning team gets to see their idea come to life as it is piloted and potentially implemented across the organization.
While each member of my team takes advantage of the opportunities listed above, it is important to note that this mindset of being a positive change advocate isn’t unusual for Vanguard crew. I would argue it is an instinct most crew have. Then again, why wouldn’t it be? We work at a company founded on innovation.
-Jeff M.
If you enjoyed this post, check out more from our #LifeatVanguard Blog. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, search our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.
My dad sparked my investment passion; Vanguard fueled it
My father was a payroll clerk by trade, but his true passion was investing. When I was growing up in the 1980s, every weeknight at 6 o’clock my dad watched The Nightly Business Report on PBS on our only TV. Needless to say, this was before the internet and CNBC (I know, I’m dating myself), so it was really the only way you could find out what happened in the markets before you read it in the newspapers the next day. I vividly recall how my dad used to hoot and holler whenever good news boosted one of the stocks he owned, even though he regularly invested through up and down markets, reinvested the dividends, and held his stocks for decades. His passion sparked my interest in pursuing an investment career, which began at another investment firm performing research and oversight of institutional money managers. While I was aware of Vanguard and even owned some Vanguard mutual funds, at the time I had the impression that Vanguard was “just” an index shop, and not a “real” investment firm. Boy, was I wrong. My introduction to Vanguard About nine years ago, I began to pursue an opening in Vanguard’s Oversight and Manager Search team. The more research I did on Vanguard, the more I realized that it was truly a world-class investment firm – active and passive, equity and fixed income. The crew I met with were smart yet humble, and the investment research was insightful and balanced. I joined Vanguard in 2009 as a Senior Investment Analyst in the Portfolio Review Department, on the team that provides oversight of Vanguard’s investment managers and funds. I was able to learn about a lot of different investment approaches from not only Vanguard internal managers, but from the roughly 30 other world-class investment firms Vanguard partners with like Wellington, PRIMECAP, and Ballie Gifford.
Vanguard around the globe
One day in 2013, I was on my way to the Galley (the on-campus cafeteria) when my department head pulled me into his office and said, “We’re thinking of sending you to Hong Kong.” My reply was, “I was thinking of getting a sandwich.”
Ten months after that conversation, my wife, three kids, and I moved to Hong Kong where I was tasked with building Vanguard’s investment product function for Asia—designing and launching Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, and educating clients about them. It’s where I learned about the ETF ecosystem and retirement systems for Asian countries.
Asia Product and Investment Team 2017
After three years in Asia, I returned to our headquarters in 2017 to lead Vanguard’s Defined Contribution Advisory Services (DCAS) team. Ever wonder how a company decides which funds to offer its employees in their 401(k) plan? And how they oversee those funds? Well, our team of investment professionals delivers investment perspectives, evaluations, and custom portfolios to help those companies and their consultants do just that.
DCAS- ugly sweaters and curling!
A common thread
My three roles at Vanguard are very different and none of them are in the Investment Management division, but the one common thread was each requires a strong degree of investment acumen for success. Fortunately, Vanguard provides a ton of resources and support for crew to develop and deepen their investment acumen, from paid support for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) programs, free mobile access to the Wall Street Journal and other industry news sources, numerous internal investment training sessions, and more. As long as you bring a “growth mindset” and an intellectual curiosity, there’s no limit to your development.
I’ve seen Vanguard’s investment research, analysis, and portfolio management become more sophisticated and global over the years. But our investment philosophy has remained steadfast since our founding more than 40 years ago: set an investment goal, diversify your portfolio, keep your costs low, and stick to a plan —strikingly similar to my dad’s approach.
-James M.
If you’re seeking an environment where you can make a difference and develop professionally, check out our career our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.
