Facial Hair (goatee specifically) as analyst

Hi everyone. I was wondering if it would be acceptable to rock a disconnected goatee as a first year analyst and the general thoughts on facial hair. For context I have a very late birthday and genuinely look 16 clean shaven which I rocked for my internship. Also, I look racially ambiguous (I’ve gotten middle eastern/hispanic/south Asian). My bank has many people rocking beards at the junior level and I’ve seen people in other departments with the mustache/goatee combo.

9 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, facial hair in investment banking, especially at the junior level, is generally expected to be minimal or clean-shaven. While there is no explicit rule against facial hair, the informal code of conduct leans towards a clean-shaven look for junior team members to maintain a professional and polished appearance.

However, exceptions exist depending on the culture of your specific bank. If you've observed many junior-level colleagues sporting beards or goatees, it might indicate a more relaxed grooming standard at your firm. The key is to ensure that any facial hair is well-maintained, neatly trimmed, and professional in appearance.

If you're uncertain, consider asking a more experienced junior colleague at your firm for advice. They can provide insight into what is acceptable within your specific team or department.

Sources: Is it Okay to Have Facial Hair on Wall Street?, Interviewing: Young Bald Men and Facial Hair?, Profesional Hair Styles, Final Word on Tattoos, Long Hair, Being Short, Fat, Ugly, Etc. in Banking, Final Word on Tattoos, Long Hair, Being Short, Fat, Ugly, Etc. in Banking

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

You can rock a goatee, as long as you grow in the mullet and drive a lifted truck to the office everyday, especially in NYC. London would be even better tbh. 

For real though a goatee is going to make you look like a used car salesman. Don’t do it. I have a beard and am pro-facial hair, but 1/2 of goatee people can’t grow actual facial hair and the other half raise questions for me. I can’t think of a single person I’ve met professionally with a goatee that I respect, but I do know plenty on the beard/mustache side. 

Just my 2c, but you do you. 

 

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