Not a place for brilliant people who want to build. - High Net Worth Consultant Vanguard Employee Review

2.0
Nov 2, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work life balance is taken very seriously! 20 days off per year and since nobody is setting the world on fire here, you can take them guilt free. Recruiting practices focus on hiring women, at any cost almost. If you're a talented guy, this will feel wrong- and it is, albeit for the better good. They don't like firing people very much, you can be exceptionally mediocre here and collect your paycheck.

Cons

This isn't a place for smart innovative people that are high impact focused. It is a very SLOW company, in their language "methodical." If you are the type of person that likes predictability and not be demanded to innovate then rate it 5 stars. They will say they like to innovate, however, this isn't true. What they mean to say is they like finding new ways of saying the same thing. Lastly, most financial firms are built upon meritocracies. Vanguard is the complete opposite of this. It is extremely political. If you like this great! However, if you are hoping people notice your great talent due to your great work- it's not going to happen. They will say this is because it's a humble culture and don't want to elevate anyone's station. This is dishonest. People with sub par qualifications will advance over the shakers & movers of this world if they have what vanguard calls "advocacy." This word means " a lot of friends in high places." If you work here, keep in mind this is the most important thing if you are to advance.

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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