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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

It isn't 1981 anymore - Technologist Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

2.0
Mar 26, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- The company has deep pockets and if you're able to convince leadership why they need to invest in something you're gonna have a good time. Good luck with that. - Great people - A fancy office with all the accoutrements (but nobody goes there anymore nor should they be expected to)

Cons

This is a good boys club and if you aren't a rich, white, privileged male, you aren't in the inner circle where all the decisions get made - The culture encourages employees to operate with moral hazard and not challenge the status quo (or do anything at all in some cases) Even small change is too jarring for most people and you will be met with resistance - Bureaucracy and apathy undermine progress Senior leadership doesn't understand how the business operates beyond what happens on the trading floor - Technology is poorly understood and getting investment in solid people, processes, and technology is incredibly difficult

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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