Hi, I'm new to WSO and currently a freshman at a semi-target (wow that sounds really cliche), and am also a Sikh. I wear a turban and also have a beard, although short and well kept. From what I can find (alums, general googling), not many sikhs work on wall street. Can anyone attest to this? Does having a beard and turban hurt my chances of breaking in at all, assuming my GPA is high enough and ECs are good.
Thanks for any reply.
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I know a couple of Sikhs (turban + beard) at various BB banks and good PE funds. They all seemed to be doing fine, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I would focus on making sure you nail the fit part of the interview though to overcome any stereotypes people might have
top MD at my bank is Sikh - no one cares about your religion in a business setting
Use it to your advantage. Hit up any of the Sikhs and I'm sure they'd go the extra mile to help you out!
Don't give up anything thats part of your culture/religion for a job. Take stocksonstacks advice and reach out to any alumni Sikh's or ones that are at any banks on Linkedin. Im sure they would be more then willing to help maybe having had the same concerns that you do now.
I know at least two Sikhs who are high up in BBs - they are both in London/UK though (Canary Wharf and in the City).
Also met a few over the years on business trips and at conferences- but they weren't in finance.
edit: IMO your religious affiliation should not harm your career, especially in cultures or countries with diverse professionals. London is a prime example. This, naturally, will be different in other parts of the world. Anecdote: while I was working for a telecom company years ago we had a finance professional who was also a Sikh. It was way easier for him to reach out to operating countries, meet new people or start a conversation off with someone he didn't know purely because the other party was so keen or interested to speak with him.
edit 2: Just remembered - I also know a Sikh at EY in Frankfurt and another one at, I believe it was KPMG?, in Switzerland.
there was a summer analyst sikh at my bb last year
Forbes 30 Under 30 in Finance a few years ago was a Sikh (with a full turban and beard), Savneet Singh. Another prominent Sikh with a turban and beard is Ajay Banga (mastercard CEO). I'll bet you will find multiple Sikhs with a turban and beard at most bulge bracket banks. Sikhs are very well-represented on Wall Street. I have talked to the President of US Trust at a conference and he knew about the hard-working and ambitious nature of Sikhs. You don't need to change your appearance to work on the Street. It's the purest meritocracy in America and will reward you for your ability, not for your appearance.
Savneet really paved the way for Sikhs on Wall Street. It's our job to continue that reputation for the future.
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