A very unusual problem..

Hi, I am female, and I am on the intern stage of i-banking. During the internship, I've noticed some comments about my self presentation.

A lot of my bosses said need to stop looking so young because it ruins the firm's credibility (they told me I look 15-17). I know some dudes have this problem too, but they can just grow beards. It's not feasible (or remotely possible) for me to muster up some beard. I also make the effort to dress the standard suit & heels and talk intelligibly, etc.

I am Asian, and for some reason Asian females have this problem. So, my questions are:
1) How can I make myself look older?
2) Do appearances matter a whole lot in i-banking?
3) Other suggestions?

22 Comments
 

Comment deleted by the author.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Do you often say things such as 'like' or other things that make you sound immature? It might not just be your appearance, but your demeanor.

Alternately, you could just show more cleavage or leg to distract their attention from your teenaged look.

 

If you're willing to do this, i imagine you could come up with a really boring hair cut that only older asian women would have (in my head i'm picturing short hair that stops before the should combined with some simple bangs in front)

 

Gain weight.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 
SJHunter86

Wear your hair in a bun and wear glasses instead of contacts (if you have them).

I agree with this. Make sure you have very straight posture, and always make sure you feel composed.

You crave what you are not. Dude, your perspective on life sucks.
 

Where dark eye liner. Hit the gym hard. You don't need to look like a bodybuilder, but extra muscle will make you look less childish. Eat clean and avoid alcohol or soft drinks. Excess fat gain will cause a baby face look that will exacerbate the problem. If you do these things you will look like an attractive early 20s person rather than an immature looking person.

"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man." ― William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
 

To echo sirtrades, I'm guessing its your demeanor that is the problem. You make be speaking in an immature way that wouldn't attract so much attention if you were a white or older-looking asian girl.

 

Deepen your voice. I don't know what you're wearing but have it be the most dull, boring thing. Like Calvin Klein suits. Nothing cute. No barrettes or bows or cat print or anything cute. NOTHING CUTE. Wear glasses if you have them.

 

Hit the gym. A Lil protein. Squats...lol....; )

Firm handshake. Many Asians have a softer handshake because it's not the normal custom. (not sure you're actually from somewhere in Asia or not)

 
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