Do Looks Matter in IB
It seems like all the bankers (Analysts/Associates) I’ve seen on info sessions or LinkedIn are fit, tall, and generally good looking. I’m short and not fit/skinny. Any thoughts on how look affects how you are perceived in an office setting or is it all just in my head?
You being shorter and out of shape has nothing to do with you being Asian. Stop saying stupid shit like that and making the rest of us look bad. People will "take you more seriously" when you take yourself seriously.
Facts dude - same problem w some Indians on here smh
Tbf can't help bring short, it's genetic and asians on average are smaller. However my MD is 5'5 and one of the most respected in his area; it definitely can be overcome, it's more just a first impression issue
Did OP edit the post? I don't see any reference to being Asian.
I did edit the post. Didn’t wanna trigger more Asians and make us “look bad”. Anyways this gets at my original point the same.
It's not in your head. Look around and see who is working at most of these places. It is a fact that interviewers will subconsciously (or consciously) prefer better looking candidates. Also, there are some anecdotal (maybe even proven) correlations between prep school/target school/finance and looks (smart/good looking parents begets smart and good looking children). There are some good posts on this written in the past that you should check out.
If you look at who is in PE it gets even more noticeable- almost every guy looks like he was captain of the lax team and the girls are bombshells who were the president of Kappa- nothing wrong with that in my opinion if that's who they want to hire. This exists everywhere in high society (with the exception of silicon valley/tech areas)- check out the people in the Hamptons and you'll understand.
Literally one look at the employee list of MF PE on LinkedIn proves this is a lie lol. Sounds like you just have low standards.
To answer the question OP, being attractive will definitely help, but you don't need to be "captain of the lax team" or "president of Kappa" to succeed. Being attractive is helpful and being ugly is harmful (not so many super ugly or deformed people in finance) but as long as you're somewhere within 2 standard deviations from average in looks you're fine. This doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to look as best as you can - looks do matter, but again as long as you're within the realm of "average" it won't be a huge influence one way or another.
lol this guy must think león black is so dreamy
As someone who is fit, tall, and goodlooking but not very smart - I vehemently disagree that my looks got me this job. It was my intelligence.
You answered your own question, buddy. Attractive people are considered "better" by our subcounscious mind, thus they achieve status more easily. Also, a lot of rich parents teach their children the value of health, self care and presentation, and that carries over to the career.
If you're fat, it says something about you.
I'm pretty buff but have a bit of a gut going on now, but I think my great hair makes up for it. I think I should be safe but if they were to cut me because of my declining midsection, I'd understand. If I start balding I'll save them the time and just quit myself.
I can't lie, there's something to be said for appearance. Looks can be very useful in garnering attention, it's just human nature. That said, I've worked with people who don't fit the mold and are just smart, capable and personable. They know how to market themselves, and get their work done. No matter size/shape, you can dress quite well - nice, neat, fitting properly. Don't go to the office looking like a schlepper. IB is more superficial than accounting. Just a fact.
Looks has always worked in my favor, TBH, and maybe I needed it because I'm not the smartest. I'm smart enough, but not superstar level. I'm ok with that. But with what you're talking about, I think it's something you can take care of without much effort. Get in shape, whiten your teeth, get a nice suit to interview in or for work that fits perfectly (I don't mean the most expensive, I mean make sure it's tailored). But more importantly, a friendly confidence and positive attitude, and doing a great job are key.
Don't focus on " everyone is better looking and taller" because you'll project that.
I do but I'm a man. Will this change things?