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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

Great experience if you're in a higher role; otherwise, don't even bother - Anonymous employee Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

1.0
Feb 28, 2011
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Benefits are fairly decent (healthcare, gym reimbursement) - Work hours aren't too bad, particularly for lower level employees - Very talented and bright employees

Cons

- POLITICAL - company claims to try to be fair and cares, but it's really a sham. Incredibly biased evaluation of employees. If you're in the "in" crowd with your boss, you are golden. If you aren't, don't even bother expecting anything at all. - HR is horrible. They don't do anything and the leadership at the top is SO bad. Higher up VPs take complete advantage of the system and no one will say a word to them. - Morale is horrible. Everyone is waiting for the remaining founder to sell the company, so they can cash out and leave. The founder pulled a fast one and moved the company headquarters to Austin from Santa Monica and most people were forced to move because the economy was in shambles and they didn't have the choice. I know first hand that there will be an exodus once the company is sold and all the VPs can dump their shares.

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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