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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

Caution - APM Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

2.0
Jul 7, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Austin office is nice, cafeteria is good, and many cool people to develop friendships with. Pay is not bad for the hours (base is similar to banking).

Cons

Work is extremely boring. Can’t speak for other departments (although I’m sure it’s the same), but PM is the same boring crap every day. Starting out of college, your position title is Analyst, but you don’t “analyze” anything. Most of the tasks you have on an everyday basis can be completed without any critical thinking ability, and honestly should be done by robots. As time passes by, DFA is losing their competitive advantage. People are better off investing with Vanguard. They brainwash people and treat the markets like some fixed model. Philosophy has worked for them in the past but will crumble due to competition and cost-cutting technology. Work here if you want a stable salary but a boring dead-end job. And if you like wearing ties.

Explore other reviews about Dimensional Fund Advisors

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent place to work. Many employees have been here several years. Team strategy aligns well with company goals. Technology teams are constantly reviewing better ways to use technology and provide learning opportunities for new skills, frameworks, and languages.

Cons

Not much to say here.

5.0
May 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Co-CEO Gerard O’Reilly always says, “Do the right thing, the right way, right away.” This is more than a mantra at DFA. These are good people, some of the smartest in the industry, and their bar is excellence. People sometimes joke about “drinking the DFA koolaid”. Here’s the koolaid: DFA doesn’t slap lipstick on a pig just to push product. DFA actually believes (and has been around long enough to prove) that you can lead with education, and IF your investment offering is genuinely good, the assets will naturally follow. Theirs is. What ex employee critics have said: “DFA moves too slow.” Fails to mention the likes of how DFA just led the industry with an absolute machete hacking thru the regulatory and operational jungle to pave a path for active share class for the good of investors. First filing? DFA. First to launch? DFA. Fast where it counts. “DFA doesn’t fund platforms for sales!” Indeed, would make life easier in some Sales channels, but would also impose more cost burden on end investors, so... The reality: Those who dance are considered insane by those who hear not the music. The firm, the philosophy, the people- all impressive. It has been one of the privileges of my career to work at Dimensional.

Cons

Hmm well the main grievance amongst the employee office committee was the insufficiency of the breakroom selection comprised of only of creamer, whole milk, 2%, and almond milk. I only hope the egregious omission has been remedied in the months since my departure and coconut milk added to said selection.

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