Vanguard careers Archives - Vanguard Careers

I didn’t plan to be in IT, but I am where I belong

September 6, 2023/in Vanguard careers, Voyage to Vanguard /by balajivaradaraj

I didn’t plan to be in IT, but I am where I belong

I never planned to work in IT. I started my Vanguard career serving our Personal Investor clients, helping them manage their investment accounts. Through that experience I gained an appreciation for the value of having financial literacy and the disadvantages of not having it.

Over the years, my passion for empowering others with financial education only grew. Over time I increased my financial acumen and became a CFP® professional in anticipation of becoming a financial advisor. So how did I wind up in IT?

Well, one day I saw an interesting advice job – an opportunity to support the technology that drives Vanguard’s advice products. After learning more about the product owner role and the team, I felt compelled to apply. It was a longshot, but what did I have to lose?

Then, two months after seeing “product owner” in a job posting for the first time, I was joining IT.

Tech-powered experiences

Vanguard has always embraced innovation to help our clients. It is well known that we championed cost-efficient investing – first with our mutual funds, and then, with our ETFs. Similarly, we promote access to trusted, world-class financial advice for those who desire a partner on their financial journey.

What may be less well known is the fact that Vanguard has always been a virtual (or “digital”) company, in that we primarily serve our clients virtually, not in offices. With this model, technology plays a huge role across every aspect of the organization.

Since joining the advice technology organization, I have contributed to a plethora of client-centric initiatives. I helped modernize how we rebalance clients’ portfolios, allowing us to scale. I drove bringing tax efficiency to employer plan participant investment recommendations, improving client outcomes. As an advice technology organization, we are committed to improving our platform and services to better support clients in reaching their financial goals.

Working for an organization that fosters innovation allows my team to solve complex problems with creativity. We leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, and cloud-based architecture to deliver a world-class experience to investors. We are exploring ethically responsible ways to leverage these resources to bring more personalization to our clients’ financial solutions, while protecting clients and their data. Embracing innovation removes the limitations of the current way of doing things and unlocks new possibilities.

Empathy is essential

In my first year directly serving clients, I received a handwritten letter from a client, saying. “I highly recommend the gentlemen for his helpful service to me last month.” Receiving a handwritten anything now-a-days is unheard of, but even in 2016 that gesture was rare. His letter is a reminder that we are serving real people.

letter

After years of directly helping clients with their financial situations, I have learned to empathize with their perspectives. Through empathy, comes better understanding. My team keeps our clients at the center of our efforts. Through continuous collaboration with business partners who are obsessed with our clients’ experiences, we craft client-centric solutions and constantly refine those solutions with client feedback.

I may not have “planned” to join IT, but I am where I belong. As an advice product owner, I am promoting the financial wellness of our clients with the power of technology.

– David R.

Are you interested in Technology at Vanguard?

Hear directly from our tech crew here, and be sure to check out these opportunities.

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Math Teacher Leaves the Classroom for Vanguard

June 21, 2023/in Career opportunities, Vanguard careers /by balajivaradaraj

Math Teacher Leaves the Classroom for Vanguard

After 29 years of teaching and coaching in the Greater Philadelphia area, I retired from the Radnor Township School District to join Vanguard. I taught mathematics at the middle and high school levels and also coached many school and community sports teams over the years.

After spending so many years in the classroom, I was looking for something new and eventually found an opportunity to work in the financial services industry. I figured this could be a great pathway to leverage my data and analytical skills. I always told my students that there are many fields with real-life opportunities to use numbers. I can’t think of too many better than the financial sector. I was inspired to practice what I preached.

The skills I used in the classroom easily transferred over to my work here at Vanguard. I was well organized as a teacher which has certainly helped me as I continue to get acclimated in my new role as a client representative associate. Vanguard also provides great onboarding and training programs. I was able to pass the Series 7 and Series 63 exams within my first month of joining the company. I have also had the opportunity to broaden my skillset and work in other areas like data literacy.

The transition from education to the corporate world has been enlightening! I have gone from rushing through 30-minute lunches where I was sometimes helping students or doing other things to days where I can actually enjoy an uninterrupted lunch break. This has been a nice change. While I did have a few career options after teaching, I am so fortunate to have chosen Vanguard. This is a company that really cares about their employees and prioritizes the importance of work/life balance. During my short time here, I’ve already had the opportunity to work with some outstanding peers, leaders and trainers. I am looking forward to continuing my second career at Vanguard. I know they will take great care of me!

-Chas F.

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Veteran Spotlight: How I learned to Carry the Load

May 24, 2023/in Career opportunities, Diversity & inclusion, Vanguard careers, Voyage to Vanguard /by jblackwell

Veteran Spotlight: How I learned to Carry the Load

Military Appreciation Month serves as a time to give thanks and recognition to all military servicemembers, spouses, veterans and lost loved ones. Hear from Jackqulin S. as she reflects on her experience working at Vanguard for over 30 years while concurrently serving in the US Army Reserves.

1. Tell us about your journey to Vanguard?

I relocated to Pennsylvania in 1984 to attend West Chester University for Business. I was introduced to Vanguard through my sister, who was already employed here. I started out as a contractor and within a month, was hired full time.

2. How and why did you end up joining the military?

I began my military career in July 1989, while still being employed at Vanguard. At that time, I knew I wanted to go to college for Business, but funds were limited since I was on my own and carrying the load alone. Then, I received an opportunity to join the United States Army Reserves. In the military, I was able to leverage some of my skills like self-reliance, resiliency, integrity, teamwork, financial responsibility, and leadership and apply them in a different environment. I was truly elated that I could serve while still working at Vanguard. I also received funding for professional development training opportunities and to seal the deal, my college tuition was paid in full.

3. How were you able to balance both working at Vanguard and maintaining a career in the US Army Reserves?

It was not easy balancing Vanguard and the military, but my leadership team and HR partners did an awesome job in being flexible and supportive. My family also played an enormous role in stepping up and stepping in to make sure it was a smooth process. They made my ‘Vanguard and military’ career journey worthwhile.

4. What are some of the transferrable skills and experiences you’ve carried over from your experience in the military to your current role here at Vanguard?

Similar to Vanguard, in the military we had mandatory compliance trainings that were specific to my roles and responsibilities. Some of the skills that I carried over from my experience in the military are being confident, working as a team and valuing differences and diversity. I apply many of these skills everyday in efforts to provide client satisfaction and an overall positive client experience. Also, when dealing with challenging situations, I keep going. I don’t give up easily. Throughout my experience in both careers, I learned to treat others the way you want to be treated, treat your clients the way you want to be treated and enjoy the positive outcomes.

5. How has Vanguard supported your career development?

Vanguard has truly been supportive throughout my military journey from beginning to end. The support made juggling both careers so much easier to manage. I also found support through our crew resource group, Vets Connect. This group has provided so many resources for many of our veterans and military members. It is also a great way to stay connected, support and honor the military and allows for an easier transition to civilian life for candidates with a military background. I enjoy the Vets Connect events and panel discussions. It feels good to be a part of a community of people who share similar experiences.

6. What advice do you have for candidates who are transitioning from the military to civilian life?

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a wonderful experience. Here’s my advice:

Make meaningful connections.
Take advantage of learning and training opportunities.
Continue to embrace diversity and share your experiences in helping others.
Continue to follow your Military Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

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How our Crew Connects With Our Mission

November 21, 2022/in Our mission, Serving clients, Vanguard careers /by marcin

How our Crew Connects With Our Mission

Vanguard crew were asked to share their “My Vanguard Why”, and it isn’t surprising that the answers were all rooted in Vanguard’s mission to give investors the best chance for investments success. From internal communications to direct relationships with clients, crew are always working for investors and take pride in provided value in every step along the way.

“When I speak to my clients about our value proposition and Vanguard’s differentiation in our industry, I am proud to tell the Vanguard story with ‘total conviction’ and confidence. ‘Walking the talk’ is at the core of who we are and how we function daily. It eludes hyperbole, is validated through action, and has become a reality to our client owners.” —Dan C., Ultra High Net Work Relationship Manager

“I come from a business background, and I consider myself to be both a natural problem solver and a liaison. At Vanguard, I really enjoy being able to both help people and build relationships” —Sherry R., Client Consultant

“Many of our clients are part of the communities we live in or support. And many of our crew—who are also clients—are part of those same communities. Whether the community is a physical town or virtual in the form of a group in support of a certain goal, it’s easy to see how Vanguard’s mission of taking a stand for all investors, treating them fairly, and giving them the best chance for investment success really comes full circle in our daily lives.” —Bethany B., Internal Communications Consultant

“I wrote ‘ethics and values’ because everything that we do for our crew and clients is rooted in doing what’s right. It’s great to have the opportunity to lead at a place where my personal values align so closely.”—Patrick L., Manager, Retail Investor Group

“I couldn’t be more proud to be part of an organization that puts our clients first. I consider it a privilege to get to make investing and advice accessible to everyone.” —Elizabeth E., UX Content Strategist

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I didn’t plan to be in IT, but I am where I belong

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Math Teacher Leaves the Classroom for Vanguard

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Veteran Spotlight: How I learned to Carry the Load

Military Appreciation Month serves as a time to give thanks and recognition to all military servicemembers, spouses, veterans and lost loved ones. Hear from Jackqulin S. as she reflects on her experience working at Vanguard for over 30 years while concurrently serving in the US Army Reserves.

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How our Crew Connects With Our Mission

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