Project Contractor
Technology (IST) Internship Programme
We are Vanguard.

Together, we're changing the way the world invests. Our purpose is simple: to take a stand for all investors, treat them fairly, and give them the best chance for investment success.For us, investing doesn't start with numbers - it starts with values. When you invest with clarity, care, and courage, the return is far greater than performance alone. That's why we invest with purpose, and why we've become a global market leader.

At Vanguard, we want every intern to feel empowered to make an impact - on our clients, on our business, and on their own development. This is your opportunity. Let's make it count.

• Programme Details
• Start date: June 2025
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Location: Manchester (Hybrid - 3 days onsite)
• Schedule: 5 days per week
• Contract: Paid Internship
• Eligibility: Penultimate or final year students

About IST at Vanguard

Information Systems & Technology (IST) sits at the centre of Vanguard's mission, designing, building, and operating the digital platforms and services that power investor experiences worldwide. This ranges from our client-facing websites and mobile apps to the core systems, data platforms, and cloud infrastructure behind the scenes.

In Manchester, IST is growing into a high-impact innovation hub focused on engineering resilient platforms, modernising data capabilities, and accelerating cloud transformation. Teams work across areas such as UK Personal Investor (UKPI), which supports digital experiences for our direct-to-consumer clients; Financial Adviser Services (FAS), which provides technology and insights for advisers across Europe; and the Chief Data & Analytics Office (CDAO) Europe, which ensures our data is well-managed, trusted, and used to create value through analytics and responsible AI.

Interns will be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking technology community, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to meaningful projects that support both clients and internal teams.

About the Internship:

The IST Internship Programme gives you hands-on exposure across our technology organisation and helps you build strong foundations in:

• Technical capability
• Business and product understanding
• Leadership behaviours
• Professional and personal development

You'll learn how technology drives Vanguard's strategic priorities and gain insight into the systems, platforms, and tools that support our global client offering - including cloud engineering, analytics, cybersecurity, automation, and digital experiences.

What You'll Do:

Over the 10-week programme, you will:

• Work with business and technology teams to create meaningful solutions that shape Vanguard's future
• Build a foundational understanding of our systems, tools and engineering practices
• Receive structured technical and professional development through a formal learning curriculum
• Partner with seasoned professionals and rotation managers across diverse IST teams
• Gain exposure to real project work and day-to-day responsibilities
• Develop leadership and conceptual thinking skills that will support your long-term career goals

As you progress, you will set objectives aligned to your strengths, interests and the needs of our technology organisation - helping you build a clear picture of what a future IST career at Vanguard could look like.

• What We're Looking For

• Strong technical aptitude and curiosity

• Analytical and problem-solving mindset

• Organisational skills and attention to detail

• Demonstrated leadership potential

• Professional maturity, humility, and strong communication

• Initiative and independence

• A growth mindset and adaptability

• Drive, resilience, and motivation to succeed

• Why Vanguard?

• A supportive and inclusive graduate community

• One-on-one coaching and mentorship

• Exposure to a wide range of technologies

• An environment that values innovation, experimentation, and doing things differently

• Flexible working and a fast-paced setting

• Meaningful, challenging opportunities that stretch your capability

How We Work:

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.