Tattoos in high finance?

let me put it this way, until this day I have not seen any tattoos that were visible. I am sure people in finance do have tattoos, just not on their necks, hands, or faces.

Personally, I like tattoos but never had the guts to go for it. I am not the guy who commits to something for a longer time.

My bank has casual Fridays so a lot of the guys wear polos. I haven't seen any visible tattoos. Feel like there's still a stigma with the older crowd (e.g. MDs).

I’ve met a lawyer (40s?) who has a full sleeve. I saw it peeking out from the cuff, asked about it, and he was really excited to show and talk about it.

But he still had his arm covered up with his sleeves. I doubt he rolls up his sleeves unless he’s in his own office.

Seen an ex-military guy with a full sleeve but only because I know him outside of work and he covers it at work. Have never seen visible tattoos even once inside of work.

Incoming FT analys with a sleeve. Did not ever show it at work last summer, nor will I full time. It was awkward going to happy hours / drinks / out with other interns and deciding whether or not to cover it up. My rule was if we were coming from work and in dress clothes, I kept it covered. If the interns were going out in casual clothes, I didn’t care if it was out

Is a tattoo really such an issue for more senior guys?

I understand that for client meetings it needs to be covered (but that is easily done by a suit). However, if you work late in the office, you roll-up your sleeves and it becomes visible, would that be an issue?

I am not talking about eccentric middle of the day show-off, but just normal behavior and not trying to cover it by all means at all times.

Definitely still a ton of old guys who see it in a negative light, but I think that'll change in the next 20 years as though dudes leave / die. Tons of people have tattoos these days

It is an issue from the people I met before. With the exception of religious attire nothing else goes. Also worked in Europe before and it looked the same, no visible tattoos and no visible sleeves that peeked through the cuff.

Some summer shirts are fairly thin, so you might be able to see black ink if you have fairer skin complexion.

Know a former JPM MD who had tattoos on his forearms and it was very visible when he rolled up his sleeve. He started as an analyst and made it all the way to MD with tattoos so it definitely didnt affect his career progression

I think you're obviously fine with people of your seniority level and below. I am guessing by the time those of us currently in our 20s are MDs/equivalent, we will still be wearing long sleeves to client meetings, but will not worry about rolling up our sleeves in the office

No visible ones

I know a rockstar associate who has full sleeves. However, they're completely covered by a suit, and he doesn't roll-up his (shirt) sleeves during the day.

With tattoos you also have to realize that wherever they are, they will still be visible if your shirt is somewhat transparent. And if theyre are to be seen, you can't be brought to a client. So you gotta be careful with it

worked at an EB during my analyst days and my md had full sleeves. He also generated the highest fees if that says anything.

I actually find people in finance who are heavily covered in tattoos to be quite intelligent (ironic I know, since some of you may think that tattoos are an irrational decision). But from my experience, the finance guys with lots of tats are more passionate about finance than your typical finance bro...don’t know why. If anyone has the same experience, I’d like to know why

Just from my observation personally...

It's funny how sometimes on a business trip you see your colleague in the hotel gym and they have a tattoo you never expected...

Does it have to be visible? Even a sleeve can be hidden. I'd say keep it where you at least have the option of hiding it - might not want to go to a client with one running down your hand or on the back of your neck.

I personally want to see a heart with your girl's name on your tushie lol

I have a few in places that are always covered (feet, thighs, bottom lip, calf) and am purposefully holding off until I do/don't make it. Eventually I’ll be blasted though.

mine is on my right shoulder blade and it was somewhat visible once because I was wearing a particularly light shirt. rectified to wear under shirts forever after that

I've heard of a quant at morgan stanley that's a PHD and has sleeves. The thing is he's really smart and irreplaceable, so he has that going for him..

cringe

There was someone in my original analyst class who had a sleeve...turns out he quit and wrote the WSO python class..

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