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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

Great culture, missing many opportunities internally and externally, poor middle management - Vice President Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

3.0
Mar 1, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I’m mid-career and have been at Dimensional for 3+ years. Compared to other firms, the people at Dimensional are great. They are smart, hard-working, nice people. There are few bad eggs. Generally I find people to be humble. Compensation isn’t bad. Not top tier, but definitely not bottom either. As a graduate (either undergrad or MBA), comp is on the lower end, so negotiate. Benefits package is okay. Onsite health clinic is a nice perk. Work life balance is great. Get your work done-type attitude. Food cafe was nice when we were at the office.

Cons

No structure for mid or end of year reviews. Despite being promoted, there is no logic to promotions. There is no start of year objective setting. General lack of caring about your career/career path and skill development. Completely manager dependent and I have had both types. Senior management play favorites. Some people are “in” the club and some aren't. Nepotism is also present, either in the form of UChicago/Booth, or family/friends giving people a leg up 401(k) match is below average at just 4%, especially when Vanguard, American Funds, TRowe are offering 3x as much. Our long-term incentive program is not good now. A few years ago it was better. Middle management is poor. They/We aren’t trained on how to manage properly and most of us have no experience at an outside firm. Generally middle management is only concerned about their own careers, not about the teams that they manage CEO’s have missed the boat on many things, but the consistent party line from senior management is that we are “being thoughtful”. Firm is experiencing growing pains despite being 40 years old. Firm/management is resistant to change.

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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