Since its founding in 1975, Vanguard has grown to become one of the world's largest investment management companies, with total assets of more than $850 billion in 130 U.S.-based mutual funds, with more than 40 additional funds in foreign markets (as of August 31, 2005). While the company is a recognized leader in innovation, continually introducing products and services to meet the evolving needs of individual investors, institutions, and financial professionals, its core principles have not changed. From the start, Vanguard has emphasized an unwavering commitment to integrity, a sharp focus on serving clients with excellence, and adherence to time-tested investment principles.

EMPLOYEES: 10,500. Employing a capable, dedicated, and diverse crew is an important way we provide a high level of service to our clients.

WEBSITE: www.vanguardcareers.com

Why did you choose to join Vanguard?

I decided to join Vanguard because of the uniqueness of the college specialty program called Acceleration into Management AIM). The AIM program is an excellent opportunity for new college graduates to gain exposure to various areas of Vanguard. After completing a year of challenging rotational assignments, participants are placed in a leadership position. AIM represents Vanguard's belief in developing versatile leaders, capable of taking on numerous roles throughout their careers. To me, that's what separates Vanguard from other employers.

How did it meet your expectations?

Vanguard has provided more than I ever expected. I was thrilled that so early in my career - during my first year - I was actively engaged in several large scale initiatives with far-reaching results. The support I have received from Vanguard's senior leaders has far exceeded my expectations. As part of my preparation for a leadership position of my own, I have been given the opportunity to meet and be mentored by some of the most senior leaders of our organization. Now serving in a leadership role, I have had the continued support of these and countless other individuals.

What were your challenges when you started and how did you meet them?

Early on, my greatest challenge was speaking up and offering my opinion in settings with more experienced individuals. Admittedly, I was intimidated and hesitant to do anything that may reflect my youth and inexperience. Since then, I have made a conscious effort to express my thoughts in such settings. Doing so has given me a higher level of confidence and increased my comfort with offering my views in any venue. Whenever in doubt, I am reminded of Mark Twain's advice, "Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."

Why do you think that minority students have ranked your company as a top diversity employer?

I think everyone who has had the opportunity to work for Vanguard would agree that the company values the person, and not just the employee. That's very important to me. I wanted to join a firm where I knew my ideas would be respected and where employees were treated as equals regardless of race, gender, or cultural background. I feel that Vanguard respects and promotes the differences that make each crew member unique.

Why did you choose to join Vanguard?

I looked at a lot of different companies— from small businesses to large organizations —and there are three main reasons why I chose Vanguard: First, I noticed that no companies' values and high ethical standards were quite as evident as Vanguard's. I visited the campus to find a unique culture that I hadn't seen elsewhere. I was impressed with how people interacted not only with me, but with one another. Another reason that I chose Vanguard was because of their college specialty programs. As a member of Vanguard's AIM (Acceleration Into Management) Program, I began my career with a thorough training program that helped prepare me for a career in management. Third, professionalism is the cornerstone of Vanguard's corporate culture. I take comfort in the fact that the company has never laid anyone off. I love what I do, and it seems as though everyone is "in my corner".

What is the value of diversity in your work?

Diversity at work simply mirrors society –diversity is everywhere at Vanguard. To work in a non-diverse environment is like trying to convince oneself that diversity does not exist. Vanguard's employees and shareholders represent an array of cultural backgrounds and perspectives, and diversity in the workplace enables us make practical decisions and better serve our clients.

Are there diversity initiatives at the company that you would like to highlight?

There are a variety of diversity initiatives at Vanguard. Many departments have at least one person (some have groups) dedicated to Diversity Awareness, and Vanguard even has a dedicated Diversity Team. In addition to these groups, there are diversity events that happen regularly throughout the company. Every month we celebrate people from diverse backgrounds. For instance, mid-September through mid-October is National Hispanic Heritage month. There are speakers that come to campus along with other activities that occur in regards to the month's theme. Furthermore, Vanguard has recently launched a company-wide web-based training on diversity. There are in-classroom courses (at Vanguard's on- campus training facility called Vanguard University) and web-based training courses offered.

What are you proudest of about Vanguard?

I am proud of Vanguard's commitment to community service. As an organization, we participate in various charitable events throughout the year including food drives, United Way Day of Caring and the Sponsor-A-Child program, just to name a few. Our Chairman and CEO, Jack Brennan, is on the Board of Trustees of United Way of America and one of our Managing Directors serves on the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania division. There are fun events that take place during times of giving, which increase awareness and, in turn, participation.