wondering what people in banking think of black males with mini Afros, is it perceived in a negative light? I’m going to be a intern and I’m not sure if I should change my hair style. Also wondering if I would look out of place wearing a suit and “TIE”on a trading floor, the bank I’m heading to seems to be more laid back.
| +15 | Sports Coat Recommendations | 1 | 1w |
| +14 | what-makes-you-choose-one-clothing-brand | 3 | 3w |
| +13 | Can a navy be too dark? | 8 | 2w |
| +9 | Clothing colors | 1 | 1w |
| +5 | What is your signature scent? | 4 | 1w |
| +4 | Can I wear a Datejust to the office as an intern? | 12 | 3w |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
No one will say anything to you for fear of you going to HR and complaining about racist remarks. If you like your aphro, keep it. It won't matter, especially on a trading floor where performance matters most.
I've never seen anyone with an aphro in my 8 years of working so you'll definitely get some looks.
Wear a suit and tie on the first day, observe what others are wearing, and then adapt to your environment.
thanks for the reply. would it be considered unprofessional, I don’t want to be the guy people are scared to tell things to out of the fear that I’ll go running to hr. like if I look bad let me know. How do you think older people in the industry feel about this, could it stunt my growth ?
Post a pic, and you will get an accurate answer within minutes.
This is not a suggestion, etc. etc. but I try to take my fashion cues from senior people in the industry. From an African-American perspective, it looks like all fades or shaved heads:
https://www.blackenterprise.com/75-most-powerful-blacks-on-wall-street-…</a">https://www.blackenterprise.com/75-most-powerful-blacks-on-wall-street-…
Also, it doesn't matter much either way. Nobody will dare say a thing about it. It's purely up to you.
I wore a suit and tie Day 1 on the job, and someone told me to take it off and I have never put one back on except for client meetings. Better to err on the side of conservatism, and then relax a bit, than arrive too relaxed.
thanks for your response, I appreciate it.
Agree with the above. My personal opinion is to “mimic’ those currently in the industry at the beginning to not ruffle feathers and help ensure a fit, then once you’ve got to know people and proven yourself to start bringing in your own style. That’s why I looked like an extra from fucking American psycho during the interviews/beginning lol. Maybe if you can find a way to bring it down a little bit not lose your style?
It’s all part of this shitty game we play to get in unfortunately. But best of luck bro and tbh I’m sure that people really won’t care about your hair if you perform well
can’t speak on the hair part, but in terms of dressing my father always said it’s less embarrassing to be over dressed then under dressed. wear suit and tie, look at what others wear then change up your attire
I once let my girlfriend cut my hair before my first day at the desk....trust me, if I survived that day, your afro will be fine.
lol my mom has been telling me to cut it all off that it gives off a negative vibe
she gave you a mullet or something of that sort?
what if you like to dress well Ie nice tie, nice suit would others think that you are trying too hard. I use to work at a suit store so I have an abundance of suits.
Heya! As a fellow black person I asked that myself a few times when I interned at a BB in IB.
As someone pointed out before me, most black seniors/leaders have very short hair/fades.
As an intern i suggest you cut your hair and follow their style as wekk. It just gives you fewer looks and as an intern you should be remembered for your skills.
Although, if you really dig the fro, then keep it. Wouldn't want to work anywhere were that's a big non-no.
Also, I'd go with a tie for the first day as your gonna shake some hands with seniors.
Im based in Europe and we're probably a bit more conservative :)
you’re a gem. thanks for the advice!
You're welcome!
Enjoy your time!
I would say a suit and tie is definitely overkill (depending on the bank, culture of the desk and even geographic location). Honestly on my desk my MD really does not care as long as I wear slacks and a shirt. I have pushed it in summer months by wearing loafers with socks and no one has complained because I have been crushing my work.
Better be more conversation for the first few days and gradually adapt to the style of people around you.
Ye that makes sense
I don’t think you’d catch flak for it, but the safest (most conservative) choice as a black man is always shaved head or very low cut. Watch what people around you do, and imitate any senior black men you see.
I’m thinking of cutting some off the top and getting a tapper or fade. probably have like a inch of hair in the top.
You’re probably fine with that. I’ve seen guys around IB with hair like that.
As long as it isn’t one of those alt-righty undercuts you’re good
Moron.
Exactly 0% of that unhinged rant makes any sense.
Wave check
If it's the Odell Beckham Jr type of afro you'll be fine bro.
probably a little bit more than that
I'm thinking of cutting some off the top and getting a tapper or fade. probably have like a inch of hair in the top.
Rerum aut officiis et quasi modi. Qui quos eos debitis exercitationem aperiam perspiciatis.
In adipisci corrupti qui dicta repellat praesentium similique. Dolor earum aliquid amet delectus sunt autem id. Aperiam sint eum nisi illum quia. Ipsam omnis aperiam nihil reiciendis maiores quo ea dolorem.
Autem commodi cum illo ad possimus laborum culpa. Fugit aspernatur recusandae repudiandae commodi qui. Dolorum culpa qui atque omnis fuga molestiae qui.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Et minima voluptatibus fuga dolor et vel. A ea nemo incidunt quis pariatur. Non sit veritatis dolorem vel.
Repudiandae iste sequi nisi fugit magni. Error quis et animi aut perferendis et. Eveniet assumenda ut fugit iste doloribus. Fuga quisquam at delectus laboriosam repellat aut vel. Quisquam accusantium nihil cumque sequi. Possimus excepturi necessitatibus distinctio est et. Nobis officiis reiciendis cupiditate.