Pros
-Total compensation after many years was worth it. -Benefits are great, including PTO , etc. -Ability to move around the company and experience different departments. -If you have a good manager they will take you with them. Recognized the good ones! -Flexible work schedules -Diverse workforce... Except at upper management/executive level. -That's about it. 15 years and that's all I've got.
Cons
-While ability to move around exists... Ability to move up does not. Unless you "know" someone. After multiple distinguished ratings I couldn't seem to get to the next level no matter what I did. -Favoritism is rampant. As with all large companies, it is who you know and where they are, not necessarily what you do. -The "graduate programs" are a joke to the long term loyal employees that have put in decades of work to this company. Let's bring in a college graduate, let them rotate departments for a year and a half, and then land in a position equal to mine, at higher pay than I had after 15 years working my way up. Better yet, how about an MBA graduate... Let's let them rotate for a year, wine and dine them, give them a signing bonus, and then have them land a level above me with much higher pay... After you used me and my 15 years of loyalty to train them. Vanguard, your talent is within... Look for it, recognize it, and use it instead of bringing in fresh blood who will use the experience, your name, and the "stepping stone" and leave in 2 years! If you are a new graduate this is a great place to start! They love their graduate programs... You will be spoiled, highly regarded and rise to the top in a heartbeat! Do it! -If you are 6+ years tenure, and stagnant at a bonus level (D and above) , they will find a way to force you out. It costs more to keep you than to hire a new graduate. If you are late in your career this is not the place for you. -They encourage independent thinking... But not really. If you have your own thoughts and new ideas this is not the place for you. -I could go on but I am adhering to the rules not to rant. My hope is to give inside information to both new prospects and existing employees. It truly was a great place to start. I didn't think I'd be there as long as I was. And because I was, I saw how poorly they treated the long term employees. The benefits and pay (total compensation accounted for) are fantastic. -My advice... Get your start here you recent grads... Use the name and reputation to further your career and then get out before they hook you in and eventually force you out.
