Challenging "old" investment banking conventions - getting a tattoo, yay or nay?

Getting a tatoo or not is up to you, I would never get one for a variety of reasons. But if you do it then make sure it is not visible in your work clothes

I think it depends on a number of things. Office culture, where you see yourself going and working in the future, etc.

I work with a HBS/W/S grad who worked at a top EB for a number of years, and when he wears a T-shirt into the office, his tat is slightly visible. No one cares, but he runs the place. Therefore, even if someone didn't like it, what are they gonna do, right? I do not know if he had it when he was at his elite boutique, but my assumption would be that he does.

That said, a sleeve is something entirely different. This is difficult to hide if you are out golfing with clients, or even just dressed casually for a couple drinks during the summer time.

My recommendation would be to consider a small and discrete one to start off, and ideally something small.

Just some random interns $.02, but I hope this helps you consider all your options.

I've heard that Jamie has a "Thug Life" chest piece.

Deal Team Six is right. Visible tattoos depend on a culture and etc., but "what momma don't know, won't hurt her." If it's not visible and wont ever be visible to your supervisors or clients then there's no problem. I have tons of tattoos and my septum pierced and smoke. How is this possible? Well I wear cloths to work and any normal banking job requires long pants and long collared shirt. If your work lets you wear a polo and jeans then it's pretty laid back and you can probably get away with a quarter sleeve, but not a full sleeve. As long as you can hide something and it doesn't affect normal business then you're fine. But always float stuff by your superiors and coworkers first. Just because you work in banking doesn't mean you have to look the same outside of work or be an asshole like TippyTop11 . At the end of the day do whatever you want as long as you do your DD first.

I think tattoos on body parts that could be covered up like chest or calves should be fine.

easy general rule: if it's visible with professional/semi professional attire, probably not the best idea

even if you're not rolling up your shirt, i wouldn't do a full sleeve without a good deal of thought

I think it's fine

F1_button:

I know, we live in 2017 and tattoos is not a "big thing" any longer.

Says who?

Be careful with this line of thinking, it's an overly-broad statement. Just because the "instagram crowd" is filled with tattoos that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone accepts tattoos.

Tattoos are okay only if you are a stripper

I have a full sleeve and have had no issues. I make sure that it's always completely covered in the office (sometimes this sucks but its the price you pay), but my entire team knows it's there. Keep in mind I'm only a first year, so I guess we'll see how things play out.

I just love the idea of being in a room full of IB autists working on a deal, rolling up my sleeves and watching the jaws drop.

It makes you look like a poor loser

tattoos are for poor, low IQ people 

Three peeps I work with have ink. One MD and two analysts. One of the analysts has a sleeve, just never rolls it up unless its late and the old heads are out.

Times have changed but not by much, look how many "tattoos are gross" comments here, mostly from young'uns.

Pirate tattoos are ok, because they are both historically correct and an interesting business model.

Tattoos are probably a violation of dress code at most banks if they’re not hidden by clothing.

face tats = no 

ass tats (of JEFF CEO or excel logo) = ok