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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

Understand What You're Getting Into - Associate Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

3.0
Oct 8, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work life balance is the most obvious and most compelling benefit. You can leave the office at 5:00 everyday and not have to think about work while you're out of office. If you desire a stepping stone onto something else and foresee only staying at this company for a couple of years -- then this could be a good option for you. Especially if you are fresh out of undergrad - I think a position within PM or IAD is a totally reasonable option. Just don't stay too long - unless you have carved out an amazing niche for yourself.

Cons

Virtually all of the work in PM would be done by a precocious high school student. Upward career mobility is awfully unexciting. Pay is no great. But bear in mind two things -- 1) You generally have very easy work hours and 2) At DFA virtually everyone is dispensable and everyone understands this.

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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