Vanguard
I am joining Vanguard soon in an entry-level investment management position that will be rotational across the division. Not seen much information here about the company here - wanted to know what you folks thought of the company if anyone had the opportunity to work there and had opinions etc.
Depends on what exactly you like from them. Most people here aren't into the whole indexing business. The main places to target are their FIG (Fixed Income Group) or QEG (Quantitative Equity Group), assuming you want to work on active investments. They don't pay as much as their peers, but they have great perks and a decent work-life balance. Use the rotations to explore anything that comes to your mind, and figure out what you do and don't like. Also, remember to network outside where you do your rotations because you can launch in a different team outside the ones you worked on. If you end up deciding that Vanguard doesn't have what you're interested in doesn't seem to be a shortage of opportunities on the other side
Yep you are correct - interested in the active side but who knows... my mind is open to change, might end up loving the indexing business.
I am super curious about their trading desks - I know they have fixed income, derivatives, and FX desks. I get the chance to work on a desk for a bit.
A quick question - how would you look to network outside of your rotations? This is my first job straight out of uni so im unsure how the networking aspect works in a giant corporate
And also, if Vanguard doesn't have what I am looking for, do you recommend certain companies?
Well, my experience with networking might be a bit since I was there as an intern though the people seemed very friendly, and within the rotational program, you can use the other analysts to get introductions to different parts of the business and teams within those departments. Also, for exit ops, I'd be looking at their competitors, still figuring out the exit ops myself for next summer
If you want to do fundamental research/one day become a PM, Vanguard is not the place to pick up those skills. I say this as someone who interviewed for the IMDP a few years ago and currently work as a research analyst. Literally any other active asset management firm would be better suited.
They pay like shit.. There's a reason why anyone with any sort of ambition in the Philly area avoids that place and SEI once 2+yrs out of school and looks at other shops on the Main Line, Center City, or NYC. Those without ambition drink the kool-aid and stay for life or sit around living off the trust fund of their Main Line parents that were successful. If you have to be at Vanguard, target the active fixed income group.
As someone who interned there and didn't get the return offer last year, in hindsight, not getting the return offer wasn't the end of the world. Most of the people there were in a completely different mindset, and it came off as culty. If you want to do active management this isn't the place for you at all
what was the interview process like? how many rounds? technicals? thx!
two rounds the phone screen which is the questions above
the final is a case which involves a reading and answering questions then a behavior interview
Nihil aut odio aut delectus occaecati. Vitae et dicta totam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...