Vanguard Software Developer reviews

Ridiculously good job security (lack of layoffs and firings breeds complacency and laziness.) They're very far behind technologically, but I feel that this is no different than anywhere else in the financial industry. If you get on the right team, this isn't as bad, but the peak is somewhere considerably below other industries. Here's the biggie - you aren't being hired for a specific position. This means that you can be hired for a position that doesn't take advantage of your strengths, and in some cases, any of your skills. Vanguard likes to do this because they believe that they're hiring you for a career, not a job, and in a couple of years, you'll be able to move on to something you, um, enjoy. Thing is, anyone who is confident, intelligent, and generally, worth employing, will leave and take a job that lets them do what they enjoy *right now.* That's why I've got some interviews scheduled. Basically, Vanguard can be amazing for the right person. It can also be awful for that same person. It depends on where you land, and that's anyone's guess until you show up for the first day. It's all about winning the lottery. I applied to be a "Java Software Developer", and I don't get to do Java, or software developer. Are you feeling lucky?

There's a lot, but the culture is changing: Yearly Compensation is low for the suburbs, and honestly if I wasn't in IT I wouldn't be able to live without a roommate. When I lobbied for a promotion after only a year on the job (not unreasonable), I was told I needed time in job by my manager. Within 6 mos. I was promoted. Then about 3 yrs later I was given a review that stated, "not visible to upper management" which of course I barely control, so I switched to a very visible role on a $60 mil project, where I soon became a SME. Now I'm getting signals where I'm integral to the program, yet there's no promotion to compensate me for that. It's just frustrating that the company is trying to be more visible in its promotion/demotion area, yet individual Divisions can squash it. Working in the Suburbs