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Bridgewater Associates

Engaged Employer

An experience unlike any other - Anonymous employee Bridgewater Associates Employee Review

4.0
Oct 31, 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It is very important to recognize that Bridgewater has an institutionalized culture and "way of being", embodied in "Principles" by Ray Dalio, which is free for all to read on the website. Your success at BW largely depends on your ability to assimilate and operate by these principles. Your career trajectory there is totally up to you - they do not have an analyst/associate/VP/MD ladder like other financial firms. You must be assertive and open minded. Speak up, and you will be judged on the merit of your contributions.

Cons

Bridgewater is struggling with leadership from its senior management. They have attempted to bring in outside executives in recent years (not people who have "grown up" with the company, like their existing CIOs), and all have failed to uphold the extremely high standards set by the founder. They frequently begin and abandon various management initiatives. For those that are on the receiving end of all of the management upheaval in recent years, it can be very confusing, distracting, and frustrating.

Explore other reviews about Bridgewater Associates

5.0
Jun 11, 2026
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CEO approval
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Pros

Incredibly unique and insightful team culture

Cons

Bottlenecked by middle management decisions occasionally

4.0
May 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting place to work if interested in finance

Cons

Wide variety of cultures across teams

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