Employer Profile

IT workers at this investment firm, based in Malvern, Pa., get their hands on some very big custom projects. In fact, 80% of the company's development budget goes toward projects completed in-house, rather than offshoring projects or buying off-the-shelf technologies. The approach has the dual benefits of helping IT staffers hone their professional skills on leading-edge technologies and boosting job satisfaction. Other career development initiatives include job rotation programs, mentoring, and specialized development and training plans for each employee. A talent management program identifies early leadership potential: Senior leaders from across the organization identify and track high-potential junior leaders, monitor their progress and provide developmental opportunities and assignments to further enhance their career development. On-site learning: The company's in-house training program, Vanguard University, is expected to spend $28 million providing training programs this year, delivering more than 3,000 classes through seven schools. An academic assistance program provides reimbursement (up to $9,000 per year) for tuition and books to all eligible employees enrolled in most undergraduate or technical school programs. Assistance is also provided for graduate-level courses directly related to an employee's specific job. Even through the recent economic downturn, Vanguard has never had a layoff in its 35-year history. In fact, from year-end 2000 through 2009, Vanguard's number of employees remained flat, while total assets under management doubled.