Is it ok to bring a backpack to work in Asset Management?

If you're planning to pack a bomb on your way to work and a skull on your way home, that's probably not a good idea. But, generally, I don't think people really care.

I had a friend who wore a backpack while working in high finance and he too wore tennis shoes on a Thursday...haven't seen him since

My company has a backpack wall of shame. You are forced to take a back to school picture with it on, which is hung on the wall below the backpack. You cannot take it home and you will be ridiculed forever.

In all seriousness, nobody really cares. I don't agree that a messenger/briefcase is pretentious, but I guess it all depends on your co-workers. Feel it out, nobody else can tell you what makes sense. As long as its not something outrageous, I think you'll be okay, especially if your colleagues are nice people. Whats the worst that happens? Someone makes a light-hearted joke?

Duffle bags and backpacks are common, especially if you bring your laptop home everyday and pack gym clothes. I wouldn't sweat it, but of course each environment is different.

lol nobody cares...

Messenger bags are the way to go, they are not hipster/girly at all in the modern world. Maybe 10 years ago but they're in style now.

That being said, nothing inherently wrong with a backpack, I would however suggest buying a somewhat nicer backpack and not showing up with a 10 year old Jansport. You want to look professional. Black, brown, grey or canvas are the best options, depending on what else you wear. You don't want to look like a kid, you want to inspire trust, and appearance can help with that. Just like how you won't show up with a cheap ass junkie briefcase your granddad gave you, don't show up with some cheap ass junkie backpack.

I think that a nice leather gym bag may actually be a more professional option than a backpack and accomplishes the same result. To someone 10+ years into their career, seeing a 22 year old with a backpack screams "I was JUST a student", seeing a 22 year old with a gym bag says "I take care of myself and maintain a healthy lifestyle". If you're in NYC, you won't wear the backpack anyways, it's 100 deg in the subway through the summer. That's death to your shirt and everyone around you (sweat city).

Regardless, just look at what your colleagues use. Every office has different culture. If more than one or two people are already bringing backpacks, bring something in similar style. If nobody brings a backpack to work, ask yourself if this is worth standing out over.

My company has a cubby where we all put our backpacks when we first get in.

Depends on the culture of your firm, some are more formal than others. For most a backpack would be fine. If you want to play it safe you can't go wrong with a messenger.

I got some shit once from a superior for having a Jansport type backpack last summer. It wasn't a big deal, but he was right that it did make me look like a student. Would just go for a nice briefcase/messenger bag; that's what I plan on doing this summer.

Check out the "Parker Backpack" from Leatherology. $280, very classy look, leather of course. Not as big as a backpacking backpack, but quite suitable for work. I don't use one myself but have given several as gifts: very appreciated and in daily use. I use a Leatherology laptop bag ($160) when needed.

if you do...always remember

No, bringing a backpack will result in you being put in the towers and shot at dawn. Bringing a man bag will result in a beating, followed by it and you being burned.

Grow the fuck up and get a secretary or pa to carry your shit around, preferably a hot one that can keep you entertained turn slow days.

If you bring the backpack make sure you put way to many things in it and loosen the straps as much as possible so it is hanging low to the ground, this will show everyone you are one of the cool kids....

when the fuck did this become a fashion forum?