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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

It's alright and you'll survive but you'll definitely be bored and a little peeved - Global Client Group Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

2.0
Sep 24, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people are nice, the office is clean and modern, almost never have to work overtime.

Cons

No creative thinking in any department of the company. No dynamism in strategy. The ex-CEO left to start a new ETF version of Dimensional with a competitor and there's been absolutely no change or adaptation to this. Some number like 11 or more senior-level people left to join him because they could work from home, were paid better, etc. It's strange that a company that started off as innovative has refused to adjust its culture or strategy in any way since. The employees are nice but gossip behind everyone's backs. Ingroups and outgroups are rampant. People will get invited to one hangout and then not another. It's like an elementary school. The "adults" or vps/directors parent the associates and are just as vindictive and exclusionary. It's an interesting culture. Maybe everyone's just bored from a lack of dynamism, market knowledge, etc.

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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