Careers Blog
How my interest in personal finance paved a path to my Vanguard career
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Many of our new crew members launch their careers in Client Services, as it provides them an opportunity to see and experience first-hand Vanguard’s unique business model, and how our clients are at the center of everything we do. We recently sat down with crew who have served in our Client Services and Operations group to learn more about what initially attracted them to Vanguard and what keeps them feeling fulfilled in their roles. In this final installment of a three-part series, we highlight the experience of Stella O.
When I was a young girl, I immigrated to the United States. My mom wanted to build a new and better life for herself. And though she was suddenly exposed to better economic opportunities, I watched as she struggled with managing her personal finances. This led me down a path of wanting to learn how to manage my money responsibly, and unlike her, I had the opportunity to study personal finance in high school and university.
Even with these advantages, I still didn’t know how to invest. After my formal education, I was simply trying to survive. I entered the workforce with student loans during the Great Recession of 2008. It wasn’t until 2013, when I became part of a dual income household with a full-time job, that I was finally able to pay off my debt and establish financial stability.
Eventually, there was enough cash in the bank that my husband and I started exploring ways to make it grow. That’s when I stumbled upon a blog that was geared toward investing for millennials. It explained the four percent rule, as well as how someone could save enough money, watch it grow through investment options, and find financial independence. This was my first experience learning about brokerage firms, and the blog specifically suggested Vanguard as their institution. This was all new to me, and even though I didn’t really know what I was doing, I opened my first account with Vanguard in 2018.
In 2020, my husband and I sold our home and began to consolidate our assets. We opened a joint brokerage account and signed up for Personal Advisor Services. At this point, I began to wonder how Vanguard was managing our money, so I decided to go straight to the source and applied to work here.
Even though I didn’t have a background in finance, Vanguard took a chance on me. While I studied for my licensing exams, they paid me a full-time salary with benefits, which showed me they valued my time.
I received training for each new role, was provided coaches and support throughout the process, and during the busiest time of year, the organization offered strong incentives.
Further, among four of my team leaders, three have been women. Vanguard is intentionally creating an inclusive and diverse atmosphere that has traditionally been dominated by men. I believe it is breaking barriers for everyday Americans just like me, by offering us a seat at the table.
Working at Vanguard has given me access to a world most people aren’t exposed to. It has given me access to a language in personal finance most people aren’t comfortable speaking, and this experience has built confidence and empowered me to help others.
Working in the financial industry has its challenges, but it can be rewarding to speak with clients and listen to their stories. Moreover, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences, and I feel excited to provide our investors with information that will help guide them as they begin their own financial journeys.
— Stella O.
Interested in a career in Client Services? View our Client Relationship Associate opportunities today!
Want to hear from more crew? Please check out our first and second installments of this series.
