Bridgewater Associates reviews

Bridgewater has a corporate culture like no other. Grounded in the pursuit of truth and excellence, Bridgewater is an intellectually demanding environment. Founder, Ray Dalio, has coined the company an idea meritocracy. This concept is exemplified in the frequency of debate and feedback, that employees use to generate the best ideas and foster improvement. Bridgewater practices radical transparency, where very few issues, thoughts, and conversations are private. Employees receive weekly recordings of executive meetings, at the company and departmental level. Meetings are almost always recorded, and are referenced when needed. Employees are expected to raise their concerns and give feedback, however that does not mean all opinions are equal, and BW asks it’s employees to consider whether they are knowledgeable enough to hold an opinion. Unlike many places where mistakes are frowned upon, BW embraces mistakes as a means of learning and improvement. Being able to embrace your mistakes and take critical feedback requires an abandoning of ego that is incredibly important, as well as difficult. BW possesses very high performance expectations, that only increase as employees become more competent. Successful employees embrace this and are always looking for ways to improve themselves and the way that things are done. Bridgewater has an amazing community. Having meaningful relationships, is almost as highly valued as truth. Employees are supportive and caring, but also willing to be harsh and forthright when necessary. Management cares about employees and they go out of the way to help when needed and celebrate, or congratulate, when necessary. The benefits package reflects this care. Salaries are competitive.

When I decided to apply to Bridgewater, many different emotions went through my head…excitement, nervousness, skepticism, and pride specifically were at the forefront of my mind. I don’t think any of these feelings are rare for someone applying to Bridgewater and I think many of them are actually expected and totally predictable. I was excited about the potential of my future if I was selected to join Bridgewater; I was nervous about the daunting interview process I heard about; I was skeptical about the authenticity of culture (is what Principles describes really how Bridgewater is run day-to-day?); and I was initially proud that I was even selected for a first round interview. After making it through the interview process and now working at Bridgewater for 6 years, I can say that those feelings were all appropriate and Bridgewater has delivered on each. I’m now in my 3rd role and can pledge that career growth and new opportunities are readily available to anyone who wants (and can take on) added responsibilities at Bridgewater. Role mobility is valued at Bridgewater through a free market for talent. The growth and learning trajectory I’ve experienced here in 6 years is unlike any other company I’ve worked at or schools that I’ve attend. Bridgewater challenges you in a different way that is not for the faint of heart…you’re pushed every day to think differently, step outside of your comfort zone, and not settle for flat performance. No Bridgewater employee can succeed by going through the ropes, simply doing what they’re told, and calling it a day when their checklist is complete. You succeed at Bridgewater by challenging what you don’t understand, pushing current practices further, and thinking independently.