From College to Corporate: A Vanguard journey of values, growth, and impact

Choosing where to begin your career while in college can be overwhelming. There are so many options, and the pressure to make the “right” choice can feel intense. One thing I learned early on is how important it is to find a company whose values and culture align with yours—not just professionally, but personally, too. For me, that company was Vanguard.

Finding the Right Opportunity: Vanguard’s North Star Program

My first introduction to Vanguard was through the North Star Program, a two-day immersive experience for second-year college students. During the program, I got a firsthand look at the company’s mission and values. What stood out to me was how Vanguard’s leaders genuinely cared for each other, along with the welcoming atmosphere. The environment was so welcoming—it felt like they truly wanted me there. Feeling that sense of community made me want to learn more about the company and the opportunities it offered. This became the foundation of my journey to Vanguard.

College to Corporate Internship Program

My experience in the North Star Program gave me the confidence to apply for Vanguard’s College to Corporate (C2C) Internship Program during my junior year. This 10-week program provides students the opportunity to learn about Vanguard’s business, culture, and values, and it also offers a path into the Vanguard Specialty Programs. I was thrilled to be accepted into the program and worked in the Personal Investor division, within Client Experience and Digital. This internship allowed me to contribute directly to one of Vanguard’s key initiatives, which focuses on delivering seamless and unified experiences for clients.

During my internship, I gained hands-on experience collaborating with leaders and worked on impactful projects. I also gained exposure to various areas within the organization and saw how Vanguard truly values and prioritizes its clients every day. This was not just a desk job—it was an opportunity to dive into real-world challenges and see the direct impact of our work on clients’ financial futures.

From Internship to Full-Time: Building a Career with Purpose

After graduating from Florida International University a semester early, I knew I wanted to return to Vanguard full-time. I was accepted into the Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP), a two-year rotational program, and began early. This allowed me to complete an additional rotation and gain more experience.

The program challenges you while providing the tools and support needed to grow. From day one, I was actively participating in meetings, contributing to discussions, and attending leadership sessions where my voice was heard. Being part of decisions that impact our clients was both empowering and rewarding. I also embraced Vanguard’s collaborative culture, where teams tackle complex challenges and provide the best outcomes for our clients.

One of my biggest milestones was obtaining my FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 licenses. This rigorous process pushed me beyond my comfort zone but deepened my understanding of the financial services industry. It strengthened my technical skills and built my confidence. Now, in my current rotation within Retirement Services, I use that knowledge to better serve our clients’ needs.

Overall, my journey at Vanguard has been transformative and has helped me grow personally. Transitioning from college to the corporate world is a big adjustment. You are not just starting a new job; you are stepping into a new phase of life. The support from my team and leaders made my transition much smoother. For anyone considering Vanguard’s programs, I cannot emphasize enough how impactful this journey has been. From internships to full-time roles, you will find opportunities to challenge yourself, grow as a professional, and make meaningful contributions to clients and colleagues alike. If you are looking for a place where you can grow, be supported, and make a difference, Vanguard might be the right fit for you.

-Jose M.

Learn more about our internships and specialty programs.