Hi all,
Just have an inquiry and wanted to know your responses. Do you think being overweight and going for an IB/Asset Management interview is a potential issue/problem in terms of not getting an offer if you have the work experience/target uni, etc.
Cheers
James
this is a dumb question.
Well, it depends. Some people do discriminate (sub-consciously) against very fat people. Just think about all the adjectives that's associated with being fat.
I have noticed that most bankers are fairly fit aside from the higher ups when I guess them making hundreds of millions trumps their triple chins...
I would honestly say that it does hurt your chances. Being overweight signals a lack of control over ones self. This is not to say an overweight person will not get hired, being overweight just creates another hurdle. If its beween a smart fat guy and a dumb fit guy, the fat guy will get hired; however if they are equally qualified, you must look for intangibles, and thats where being overweight can send the wrong signal.
EDIT
I'd like to add that there is a difference between being fat, like man that guys fat, vs. being a little overweight. being a little overweight probably isn't that big of a deal, being fat probably does hurt your chances.
We don't have a single person in my firm that is overweight in the "seek help" sense. There are a few individuals who have a bit of a gut, but no one is fat. I never realized this before -- I would say this is more than just a coincidence. Of course, one could say that an overweight individual might lack confidence and therefore not get the job, but this is hard to say.
It's not an issue of confidence, type As just have the motivation to work out. You spend your whole life trying to go to the best schools, get the best jobs, find the best mate, etc. it's only natural you would try to max out in every aspect of your life.
I agree. My best friend who is 390 pounds, did an internship at ML in IBD and got an offer. He was the only one in his group to get an offer (out of 5 people). There is hope.
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10311266
Disconcerting, but what can you do?
Well if you're going to be living in New York City--there are very few overweight individuals there in the first place.
Agree with some of the previous posts. As sad as some might think, being overweight is definitely a disadvantage in getting into IBD. As ideating mentioned, most people in the business are extremely motivated and being overweight signals a lack of self-control. Guys (and girls) in my group work extremely rough hours, yet still find the time to go to the gym and a few have even found the training time to run marathons. As you'll see, many analysts pack on some pounds from the late night meals and high stress, but it's rare to see too many overweight people coming in. Afterall, it is a client-facing business and looks can have more of an impact than you might wish to believe.
and percent body fat hahah
You're gonna end up out of shape from working 120 hour weeks anyway, so what's the point?
"We are lawyers! We sue people! Occasionally, we get aggressive and garnish wages, but WE DO NOT ABDUCT!" -Boston Legal-
what about places like houston? isn't being overweight the norm in that city?
holymonkey,
Out of shape? Yes
Overweight? I cannot remember the last time I saw a legitimately overweight individual at this bank -- even amongst senior bankers who have been in the business for years.
Yeah, appearances do play a part in a client-facing business like IBD. Just as there are very few fat people in IB, there are also very few ugly ones around. That's my observation.
Lol, I gotta disagree with you on this one. I've been to enough banking functions to know that it's revenge of the nerds, and nerds aren't pretty. Banker chicks especially... (shudder). They try to cover all the parts of the equation: skinny, expensive clothes, expensive makeup but they just aren't attractive.
I have seen all sizes of people, short, tall, skinny, and overweight. I've actually seen more people who are really fat of the female persuasion than male. Guys tend to go into the job in shape, and come out with a bit of a gut.
Really, its pretty simple, anyone can get this job, no being grossly overweight will not help you, coming from a non-target will make it difficult, being a non-econ/finance major hurts, etc. The what are my chances etc emails are silly.
You have the best chance of getting this job with a good GPA, a related major, work experience, a stunning personality, networking ability, and a BSD.
Apply, or don't it's your decision, you know what it takes to get a job.
I honestly don't think being fat is going to hurt you.
I've come across big guys in IB and they are just as cool as the next guy...
just be confident. i hope your asking this question for jokes.
you have nothing to explain. though, for your own sake you should hit hte weights
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