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grad student
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« on: March 17, 2006, 06:20:27 AM » |
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I'm embarking on a graduate career in a humanities discipline and I'm wondering, quite frankly, what to do about all my tattoos. (And yes, I already know all the reasons why I shouldn't have them, why they're youthful folly, etc. They were conscious choices I made that I have no regrets about.) What I'm wondering is just, in professional settings (conferences, interviews, etc), should I just cover them (with makeup and clothing)? Am I going to be treated differently because of them? Just curious about some thoughts you all might have.
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tattoo'd too
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« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2006, 06:22:54 AM » |
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I am a professor in science and I have two tatoos that are generally easily concealed, although one is obvious if I wear a skirt. Frankly, I think it depends on your discipline. I personally wear professional clothing which covers most of the tatoos, and just ignore anything that is difficult to conceal. My tatoo'd friends do the same. Be you!
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tattoo'd three
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« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2006, 07:24:38 AM » |
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I, too, have tattoos -- they're actually related to my discipline, so they're good conversation starters at conferences! Anyhow, I'm finding that tattoos are becoming pretty mainstream nowadays, and I see other academics with them. I wouldn't worry too much, unless you're applying for a job at a really conservative school, or if your tats are offensive in some way.
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tattoo'd four
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« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2006, 07:27:20 AM » |
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I'm a professor, and I keep my tattoos concealed. I was dumb enough to get the tattoos when I was younger, but smart enough to get them placed high on my upper arms so that I can hide them easily. I just make sure to wear shirts with sleeves long enough to cover the tattoos.
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five
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« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2006, 07:45:04 AM » |
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Mine is pretty small, near the ankle, and the reaction I have gotten from colleagues is "Wow, that's bold!" or other admiring/interested remarks. Students dig it.
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Moz
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« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2006, 07:47:48 AM » |
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My arms are covered with tatoos (souveniers of a colored past). I covered them up on the interviews, when I got the job I stipped worring about it. In the summer I wear short-sleeved shirts all the time. I got initial stares and a few questions, but now no one notices. Besides, my 12-inch beard is more striking than my tats any day.
Moz
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rattus domesticus
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« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2006, 07:48:36 AM » |
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Six years ago, I got a small yin-yang symbol with the Chinese characters for "longtime faith" tattooed to the right on the small of my back. Of course it's not visible when I teach, but I have no regrets!
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grad student
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« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2006, 07:51:25 AM » |
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this is so good to hear! nothing like a chorus of voices. now i just need to worry about getting job interviews in the first place . . . :)
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Starbuck
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« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2006, 07:51:46 AM » |
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It may depend on what kind of tatoos we're talking about. Something relatively small on your arm or on your ankle are so mainstream I can't believe anyone would even notice. If you have really obvious tatoos like something on your neck or covering your whole arms, I'd play it safe and cover it for interview. For conferences, that is up to you. For me I'd cover them as they would be distracting, but I certainly wouldn't think anything at all about a fellow conference goer that's inked. It is intersesting that many of the tatooed posters regret them.
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grad student
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« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2006, 07:55:53 AM » |
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thanks, starbuck. i actually have a fairly large piece on one calf, so pants it shall be. i've only noted one real sense of regret, btw. don't know where you're getting that.
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Waxwing
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« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2006, 09:35:47 AM » |
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This is likely to be an issue that gets perceived differently according to where you are interviewing, with age being an important factor as well. So my advice would be to restrain your exhibitionism until you know the lay of the land.
That said, I don't think I've ever had any negative repercussions from mine.
WW
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Starbuck
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« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2006, 09:43:09 AM » |
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I thought maybe you regretted them as you mentioned there were reasons you shouldn't have them, etc.
Sounds like the ink is not a concern for you at all. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Tatoos really are mainstream now. No biggie.
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grad student
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« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2006, 10:00:41 AM » |
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no, i'm just a little defensive about them to folks i don't "know." which probably doesn't help me any, but i'm sure you can understand why. i love them; i'm just aware of the range into which other folks' perceptions can fall. (my family, for one. . .but they also don't understand grad school. so whatever.)
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Starbuck
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« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2006, 10:10:35 AM » |
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grad student,
Well, if this forum is any indication, at least the ink won't be any issue in the academic world. Good news for you!
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an observer
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« Reply #14 on: March 17, 2006, 02:53:14 PM » |
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Girls getting tattos on their calfs has been popular lately.
I wonder how many of them lament that during commencement. For many of these girls it is the first occasion in a long, long time where they have to really dress up and wear a skirt.
I wonder how many of them realize what they've done and lament ever getting that tattoo??
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