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So you’ve been declined – now what?

Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Training & education

What makes these Vanguard leaders proud to be crew

12 Vanguard interview tips for experienced professionals

5 career advice blog posts to inspire your job search

7 New Year’s resolutions from Vanguard leaders for 2019

Tips and advice when interviewing for data & analytics jobs

What NOT to ask a Recruiter

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

Debunking 5 Common LinkedIn Myths

Preparing for a Vanguard interview – Be a STAR

How to prepare for a Vanguard interview

Diversity & inclusion

Vanguard pushes to increase diversity

Kick start your social brand by staying engaged

Kick start your social brand by sharing your story

Kick start your social brand by growing your professional network

Diversity & inclusion, In the community

Why you should raise your hand for that volunteer opportunity at work

April 18, 2019/in Culture, In the community, Our mission /by fdoerr

CareersBlog_Banner_1600x600_MyClassroomEconomy

Why you should raise your hand for that volunteer opportunity at work

When I first started looking for internships during undergrad, candidly, I was not excited by anything out there. All the business opportunities looked painfully similar. Stay with me, this is a happy story. What caught my eye during research for job fairs were the firms that heavily demonstrated their commitment to community. While it is pretty common nowadays to champion community involvement, what is less common is sincere passion backing those snapshots of community events.

Nearly every time I spoke with a representative of a company, I heard the same message: ‘Community service is great! We have one event each year that we rally behind and blast on social media. Other than that, not much else goes on.’ Disappointing… that is until I stumbled upon Vanguard’s My Classroom Economy, which is a program that enables educators to teach children financial responsibility through experiential learning.

From the multiple interviews to the first day of my internship at Vanguard, everyone I asked about My Classroom Economy indicated it was an ongoing, substantial operation: a mini-business within the business. Comprised of project teams, ambassador roles, as well as leaders for the work streams, this organization was solving a problem known all too well among my generation: a lack of financial literacy. Throughout college, in casual conversations or classroom debate, I heard the common lamentation from my peers: Why were we taught about geometric shapes but never received any sort of training/instruction on critical financial concepts, such as budgeting? Even social media comically points out the irony in a lack of ‘parallelogram season’ and searing reality of tax season. My Classroom Economy is not only fighting for an admirable cause, but also offers many opportunities to build leadership, project management, and relationship-building skills. I wanted in!

Fast forward through my senior year of college, my first full year of employment with Vanguard, and to steadily increasing my involvement with My Classroom Economy. Today, I serve as Project Manager for two expansions of the program, My Home and My Group Economy. My role in My Classroom Economy has helped me just as much as it’s helped our community.

If at any point while reading this, you were reminded of a time your interest was sparked in your workplace by a non-direct-job experience (i.e. something you are not compensated for) and you’re wondering if it is worth pursuing, here are reasons to raise your hand for that activity:

Validation in impactful work

Sometimes the most rewarding jobs are the ones you do not because you are being compensated but because you care. When you care about something you feel good contributing your time and energy to it. And thankfully, your professional development has helped you build upon valuable skills, which in the end, feels validating when you’re tapping into them for an altruistic cause.

Skill-building for future compensatory experiences & safe space to fail

Flipping what I just said on its head, while you have a ton of valuable skills to offer, you may not always accurately assess your utility. We are biased creatures and while you may think a job is perfect for you, volunteerism is a way to test out your interests and skills before jumping into a long-term role. Volunteerism offers exposure to skills and situations that teach you what you can do versus what you can do well. Capitalize on the chance to try ideas and challenge yourself in a safe space.

Cross-functional teamwork

Working with individuals from various disciplines is critical to the workplace of today. In a volunteer network, you can work regularly with individuals in roles from client-facing to IT development. Building relationships through cross-functional teamwork is beneficial to build your network and a fun way to learn about what other people do. It’s a way to research other types of roles within your company and can offer a ton of insight you would not otherwise have access to.

Bottom line: If you find something you are passionate about, have fun while getting invaluable experience for your long-term career. Stop sitting on your hands – raise them instead.

#LifeAtVanguard

Advice from crew, Culture, In the community

Serving in both my day job and night job

Crew benefits, Culture, In the community

It’s the season of giving at Vanguard

Vanguard careers support, Rod M portrait

Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Crew benefits, Culture, In the community, Training & education

Finding the support I needed at Vanguard

Culture, In the community

What is a VTO day?

Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Giving Program

Day in the Life, In the community

From preschool teacher to program officer

Culture, In the community, Our mission

From Gardening to Taxes: My Volunteer Journey

Culture, In the community

3 things they said I’d never find in a company culture

National Girl Scout Day: Inspiring and empowering the next generation

Diversity & inclusion, In the community

The Power of Rice

In the community, Our mission

Roll up a sleeve, save a life

Diversity & inclusion, In the community

Meet a leader, be a leader: Inspiring and empowering the next generation

Culture, Day in the Life, In the community

Building financial literacy through My Classroom Economy

Day in the Life, In the community, Our mission

Wrapping up the giving season (VIDEO)

Day in the Life, Diversity & inclusion, In the community

A surprising career switch inspired me to give back

Culture, Day in the Life

Crew & A: Commonly asked questions about interning at Vanguard

So you’ve been declined – now what?

April 10, 2019/in Advice from crew /by fdoerr

So you’ve been declined – now what?

It’s a painful thing for anyone to go through. A company, department, or team turns you down for a role. It can feel like someone is saying, “we didn’t like you and we don’t want you.” The truth is, the hiring team may have really liked you, or even felt you got really close. Just because you weren’t right for the position today, doesn’t mean you can’t nail it the next time.

But the way you handle this news can determine if you’re successful in the future. Use this step by step guide to navigate the tough waters of being turned down for a job:

Do some reflection

Was it really the company or role you wanted? Were you on your A game? Spend some time jotting down your reactions to the experience—how you felt about your performance, your impression of the company, what you did well, and what you think you could improve. It’s helpful to do this exercise immediately following an interview so the experience is fresh in your mind.

Get some rest

Going through an interview process is exhausting and emotional. After you’ve completed the reflection stage, take a breather to avoid overloading your brain. Take a day to go hiking, have dinner with a close friend, or binge-watch your favorite show. Downtime is an essential part of being a high-performing professional.

Make a plan

OK, now it’s time to get to work. Think about how you can tackle what you identified during the reflection phase. Did you ramble or come across inarticulate? Practice slowing down and speaking more clearly. Maybe it’s just a matter of polishing your appearance or impression: Was your interview attire wrinkled? Were you unprepared to take notes or share your resume?

Enlist some help

Practicing is a key element of interviewing, but who you practice with makes a difference. A professor, experienced parent, or former colleague will be better armed to offer you insights than someone who has never interviewed or held a professional position. At this time, you may have to ask for some tough feedback. I once had a mock interview where I was asked to discuss a time one of my projects shifted and how I reacted. I shared a story about having to host a video at the last minute. My mock interviewer said that, while the story was interesting, displaying my video hosting skills wasn’t relevant to the role I was pursuing. I had never even considered choosing answers related to the duties of the role I wanted. Her feedback helped steer me to identify more applicable experiences to share.

If your choices are limited, give your practice partner specifics to look for: clear communication, professional presence, and a tailored appearance.

Balance your goals

It’s not always necessary to make major changes, sometimes just making more eye contact can improve your chances. Think about the kind of person who has impressed you in the past. What was their body language? How did they speak about their goals and accomplishments? Envisioning the individual you want to portray works wonders in making a memorable impression.

Try again

Give it some time, but do apply again if you feel there’s a fit. Many employers welcome “silver medalists” back to the application process. And be prepared to discuss the improvements you’ve made since your last interview. You may share something like, “I realized my coding knowledge wasn’t where it should have been. Since then, I have taken a class to brush up on my skills.”

As you go through your plan, continue to think of other job opportunities so you avoid limiting yourself. Acknowledge that you may not get hired at your dream company this time, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance in the future. And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for taking on a challenge and doing something scary, no matter how well you did or didn’t do.

Most of all, remember that there’s a company out there just waiting for someone like you to walk through the door.

More career tips from our crew

#LifeAtVanguard

So you’ve been declined – now what?

Advice from crew, Career opportunities, Training & education

What makes these Vanguard leaders proud to be crew

12 Vanguard interview tips for experienced professionals

5 career advice blog posts to inspire your job search

7 New Year’s resolutions from Vanguard leaders for 2019

Tips and advice when interviewing for data & analytics jobs

What NOT to ask a Recruiter

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

Debunking 5 Common LinkedIn Myths

Preparing for a Vanguard interview – Be a STAR

How to prepare for a Vanguard interview

Diversity & inclusion

Vanguard pushes to increase diversity

Kick start your social brand by staying engaged

Kick start your social brand by sharing your story

Kick start your social brand by growing your professional network

Curious about our Client Services career opportunities? We’ve got you covered.

Vanguard Client Services group employee, Tiamoy

Connecting with the Vanguard mission

April 2, 2019/in Advice from crew, Culture, Day in the Life, Our mission /by fdoerr

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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#LifeAtVanguard

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When working in finance isn’t only for finance majors

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10 years at Vanguard: our culture

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10 years at Vanguard: coworkers and friends

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Fighting for my daughter. Advocating for myself.

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Preparing for a Vanguard interview – Be a STAR

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Redefining success at Vanguard

Three experiences that paved my path to Vanguard

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It’s the end of the day as I know it- and I feel fine

Vanguard financial advisor at work at computer

What a career as a financial advisor looks like at Vanguard

March 28, 2019/in Advice from crew, Day in the Life /by fdoerr

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.

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.

Exploring careers in Vanguard Client Services – Personal Advisor Services

Vanguard crew members in Client Services share their perspectives on career choices, teamwork, and how they contribute to Vanguard’s mission.

Make your careers count—search our opportunities.

Are you ready to make it count this year? Search our opportunities.

Picture of Vanguard's Orion Building at Malvern, PA campus

Why these leaders joined Vanguard

March 21, 2019/in Advice from crew, Our mission, Voyage to Vanguard executive /by fdoerr

Why these leaders joined Vanguard

We asked 7 leaders from across Vanguard, “Why did you join Vanguard?”

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Christina Selby, Principal in Finance:

Our mission really resonated with me, and brings us all together to focus on what is best for our clients and crew. It’s also an exciting time to be part of the company as we continue to grow and look at how we can continue to improve ourselves to serve our clients better. There are lots of opportunities to continue to learn and many options for a long term career here.

2. Steve Holman, Principal in Institutional Sales:

I joined Vanguard because I loved the people, culture, and the values and integrity of the firm; I felt I was going to get the support I needed to grow and develop as a professional; and I wanted to be part of an organization that was truly doing good for others.

3. Joe Davis, Global Chief Economist and Principal:

The mission, the culture and the humility of the senior leaders I’ve met, struck me as unique versus the other investment firms I had interviewed with.

4. Lisha Davis, Head of the Innovation Studio:

To work for the good guys in a challenging industry, to develop strong leadership skills, to be challenged and stretched in lots of areas and roles.

5. Kevin Jestice, Principal in Information Technology & Security:

I knew Vanguard well from interactions through my prior employer and held the firm in incredibly high regard. Two months before my first employment conversation I visited Vanguard’s Malvern, PA, campus. When I returned home, I shared with my wife that if I ever wanted to look for a new job, Vanguard would be at the top of my list. I told her that Vanguard’s client first mindset was pervasive and that I really admired their approach to leadership. Two months later a recruiter called and I was all in. It was honestly one of the best decisions of my life (after, of course, marrying my wife and having our family!).

6. Manuel Calero, Principal in Retail:

A friend of mine worked at Vanguard and suggested I look into this company with a unique ownership structure. I did my research and learned about how Vanguard is owned by the Vanguard funds, and in turn, the funds are owned by shareholders of those funds. Though straight forward, it took me some time to realize the significance of that ownership structure on every action taken and decision made by the company—and it’s crew. When I finally understood that because of that ownership structure, Vanguard would never have to trade off doing the right thing for its shareholders, I knew I had to be a part of the Vanguard family.

7. Jodi Miller, Principal in Retail:

1) The mission – the dual focus on clients and crew 2) The culture and crew. I find the crew genuinely kind, caring, values-based, intelligent and hard-working! 3) Transformation – we are doing really exciting things internally, for example, in our Retail Investor Group, that will ultimately help us better serve our clients and crew!

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Chief Investment Officer Greg Davis looks back at his upbringing, his early job history, and why he ultimately came to–and stayed at–Vanguard.

4 tips for a more inclusive environment
Vanguard’s Chief Human Resources Officer John James shares four tips to promote a more inclusive environment in this blog.

What differentiates us from other data science teams?

What a career in data science looks like at Vanguard

March 12, 2019/in Advice from crew, Career opportunities /by fdoerr

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What a career in data science looks like at Vanguard

Vanguard’s Data & Analytics team is paving the way to a brighter future. Comprised of highly talented, cross-disciplinary individuals, our Data & Analytics crew are delivering ground-breaking solutions that strategically tackle problems facing Vanguard’s businesses and clients. In these blogs, our Data & Analytics crew share their professional development stories, the impact they’ve had through innovation, and tips for launching a career in this field.

“Data scientist” has become a top career choice, Data Science Manager Mirim L. answers some common questions about our work at Vanguard.

Solving problems and innovating through data science

Driven by Vanguard’s mission, crew member Amir shares his career journey through technology and data science in this careers blog.

Tips and advice when interviewing for data & analytics jobs

Data & Analytics recruiter Brian Uff provides tips and advice to help you in your interview.

Make your career count—search our opportunities.

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#LifeAtVanguard

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Make a choice and take a chance

March 8, 2019/in Advice from crew, Culture, Diversity & inclusion, Voyage to Vanguard /by fdoerr

Make a choice and take a chance

“The last two years have been intense. I had a baby, I started business school, I moved from New York City to Pennsylvania to start a new job at Vanguard. But when I think about it, I’m really happy. This has been the best career move and the way Vanguard supports its crew members to balance work and life has been amazing.”

Hear from Amrita T. as she shares her Vanguard story.

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Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth at Vanguard

February 28, 2019/in Culture, Diversity & inclusion /by fdoerr

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Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth at Vanguard

During this year’s Black History Month, Vanguard hosted a company-wide celebration, bringing crew together near and far.

The Vanguard Black Professional Network (VBPN) kicked off February with a keynote event featuring Mehrsa Baradaran, bank scholar, associate dean at the School of Law at the University of Georgia, and author of The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap.

In an effort to build connections globally, VBPN also introduced The Diaspora blog series, where crew shared personal stories that highlight the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the VBPN community.

We invite you to read the following excerpts from these #InclusionatVanguard stories that have also been shared personally on LinkedIn.

Algreen Bakasa’s Story

Today, I am heavily involved in the community both at work and outside of work, and strive to maximize every opportunity I receive by paying it forward. By helping create better opportunities for disadvantaged minority children and young adults, I hope they receive an opportunity that will change their trajectory like the one afforded me.

During this year’s Black History Month, I challenge you to take the time to really know the unique stories of those around you, learn their culture, and what makes them tick. As a global organization, Vanguard has crew from many diverse backgrounds with unique experiences and perspectives. What keeps me motivated each day is knowing that: “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Antonia Singleton’s Story

Growing up in Harlem, despite the crime and war on drugs, there were many fun, community uplifting and educational events and traditions that I loved to take part in with my family. My top three traditions were: attending the African American Day Parade in Harlem, The Million Youth March, and block parties during the summer on Saturdays. The African American Day Parade in Harlem was an opportunity for people around the world to come and celebrate black people and black culture in America just two short blocks away from where I grew up. My dad took my sister and I to the Million Youth March every year from inception until it tapered off. He wanted us to be aware of what was going on in the country with regards to the African American community and how we were treated. He wanted us to listen to and learn from the leaders in our community, as they usually shared what we could do as young black children in America to help make a difference.

Ajaa Jackson’s Story

Growing up with my grandmother, I gained a sincere appreciation for diverse cultures. She taught me at an early age there were places far away from Sierra Vista, Arizona where people lived similarly yet differently from us. My grandmother spoke on the phone—to me what seemed like all the time—with family in Ethiopia and friends across the U.S. I would listen to her speak in Tigrinya, Italian, and English, sharing boastful laughter with family and friends. She also regularly hosted friends for coffee. The delight of roasted coffee bean smoke mixed with incense frequently permeated the house—a smell I’ll never forget. She loved bright colors, both in her home and clothing, which complemented her unquenchable zest for life.

Our family got to share my grandmother’s satisfaction of achieving her dream of becoming an American citizen in 2002.

Although she is no longer in this life with us, her spirit lives on in our family. She is preceded by her siblings in Axum, Ethiopia. In February, I will be taking what I hope is my first of many trips to Ethiopia. My grandmother’s love of Ethiopia has always fueled my desire to visit, and this trip is a lifelong dream come true!

Shauna Collick’s Story

While I’m blessed to have many amazing family members, the moment I was asked to write a blog representing a piece of my history, I immediately thought of my paternal grandmother. As a youth, I vividly remember when she would take me to nursing homes and hospitals. She would always tell me to smile at the patients, look them in the eye, and that it’s okay to give them a gentle touch of affection on their hand or shoulder. Because of that experience, I started having my daughter visit local nursing homes when she was in preschool. She would hand out her art work and it would inevitably be the highlight of someone’s day.

My grandmother demonstrated that you can rise up from poverty and live a fulfilling life if you put God first, work hard, pursue education, and use political, economic, and social influence to improve your community.