Vantaggi
Vanguard is really good at telling you why they are sooo awesome. And there is a lot of truth in that. They are growing unlike any other financial services firm, and that provides lots of opportunities for advancement. Their products are good for consumers and it feels good to be part of that.
Svantaggi
1) Vanguard reviews employees constantly. Formal reviews for EVERYONE occur on a quarterly basis, despite the official company line that it is but 2X per year. If you never have a problem or an issue, you will be slotted for advancement. Once you make a mistake, people remember it for decades...... 2) Vanguard Nice: People don't tell you what they think. They always are very polite, say thank you and tell you you did great. Then they tell EVERYONE ELSE what a disaster you are. 3) Clubby atmosphere: its who you know, not what you do that carries the day. There are no second chances or reinvention. 4) Rotational culture means lots of opportunity, but it makes you relatively uninteresting to other employers. Hotel California. 5) Crew matters: well really not so much. Everyone is watching everyone and reporting up the chain on everyone......4X per year. Management really does little else......This place gives you an idea what is was like to live in Stalinist Russia. You will be happy or you will be gone. 6) Comp never keeps up with the rest of the industry. Be prepared to be paid like a not-for-profit organizations, which after all, is what Vanguard is. 7) Lots of diversity for a financial services firm, but the most homogenous workforce you will ever find. Its eerie.