Current Vanguard Corp Fin Intern → IMDP Without Closing AFP Door?

Hey everyone,

I’m a 3rd-year currently interning at Vanguard in Corporate Finance and hoping to return full-time. Long term, I want to be in investing (PM/AM) and am very interested in Vanguard’s IMDP (Investment Management Development Program).

Background:

• Current Vanguard Corp Fin intern
• 1 prior FP&A internship & 1 PM internship
• Active in investing extracurriculars
• Have been networking with IMDP analysts

My question: how do I express strong interest in IMDP without signaling that AFP (Vanguard’s 2-year Corporate Finance program) is just a fallback?

I’d genuinely be happy in either, but IMDP aligns more directly with my long-term PM goals.

Has anyone navigated this internally at Vanguard or similar firms?

Appreciate any advice.