Excellent workplace but Vanguard will not pay to retain talent. - Financial Associate Vanguard Employee Review

4.0
Feb 14, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Diverse workplace with a lot of side events Many on site services such as gym, places to eat, auto and dry cleaning, etc. Benefits such as PTO, affordable health care, dental, vision, etc. Great work / life balance - generally you leave work at work. Opportunity to educate though Vanguard University and virtual learning All things considered a very ethical company because of the structure

Cons

Low base compensation (Vanguard claims it's in line with industry average. Malvern and the Philly suburbs are very expensive, but the wages are in line with country living wages). Raises are less than inflation so your earnings effectively decrease. 2-3% is considered a great raise, and most people get less. Unrealistic expectations and always expected to take on additional side projects and initiatives (multiple at one time) causing employees to be overworked. Management talks the talk about engagement but firmly manages top down. Management encourages, and in some cases coaches, your answers in the annual survey. Very political, as most large companies are.

Explore other reviews about Vanguard

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits are amazing, good culture mostly

Cons

Middle management can focus too much on politics vs. improvements

3.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Awesome coworkers for young professionals. Paid licensing for a few months.

Cons

Micromanagement is out of control. Incompetent team leaders who are obsessed with power and metrics. Back to back calls, limited support, and nearly impossible effective communication between departments. Zero time to cultivate culture because you are taking calls every second of the day except for 30min/1hr lunch and two 15 minute breaks. You’re locked into your role for over a year (apprenticeship for around 60 days, then a year after promotion to associate) and your team leaders will not approve internal applications unless you are “eligible”.

4
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