6 answers
Ashley
Student
Mansfield, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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Can I have tattoos going into athletic trainer?
I am getting a tattoo in memory of my grandma. And i just need to know if it can be visible or if it needs to be hidden.
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6 answers
Elizabeth Flagge
Executive Director, Education
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
As someone in a white collar job, in my experience the workplace and world are evolving to be more generally accepting of tattoos but it does depend on your career. As Sarah noted, those who work in visible professional presentational environments or more conservative jobs may struggle, but as an athletic trainer you're unlikely to deal with that level of scrutiny. In general, a tattoo will be less of a challenge if you are able to hide it.
The main tattoos that would be a struggle for workplaces, in my experience, are those on the face, neck, and hands. Aside from those locations, the only other thing I have seen impede people's prospects would be extremely large volume/area tattoos that are hard to hide - high color contrast full sleeves, full legs, full back, etc (things that might show through a shirt especially). Small-medium tattoos on the arms, legs, feet, ankles, back, etc are easier to hide and have not been challenges for my colleagues who have them!
As someone in a white collar job, in my experience the workplace and world are evolving to be more generally accepting of tattoos but it does depend on your career. As Sarah noted, those who work in visible professional presentational environments or more conservative jobs may struggle, but as an athletic trainer you're unlikely to deal with that level of scrutiny. In general, a tattoo will be less of a challenge if you are able to hide it.
The main tattoos that would be a struggle for workplaces, in my experience, are those on the face, neck, and hands. Aside from those locations, the only other thing I have seen impede people's prospects would be extremely large volume/area tattoos that are hard to hide - high color contrast full sleeves, full legs, full back, etc (things that might show through a shirt especially). Small-medium tattoos on the arms, legs, feet, ankles, back, etc are easier to hide and have not been challenges for my colleagues who have them!
Kristin Schulz
Product marketing and sales enablement
1
Answer
Fairfield, Connecticut
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
I would absolutely yes! It can be visible as well, especially if you are entering the college athletics industry.
Howard Christiansen
Professor
54
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
Hope all is well.
I suggest you get the tattoo somewhere that is hidden. I think it is so wonderful that you are getting the tattoo in honor of your grandma but depending on where you work or what people might think, it is best to conceal the tattoo. People's perception of tattoos can be negative or positive so to be safe, have it done where it can be concealed. You can still celebrate your grandma and assure yourself that you will get the job. Hope this helps and have a great day.
Professor C
Hope all is well.
I suggest you get the tattoo somewhere that is hidden. I think it is so wonderful that you are getting the tattoo in honor of your grandma but depending on where you work or what people might think, it is best to conceal the tattoo. People's perception of tattoos can be negative or positive so to be safe, have it done where it can be concealed. You can still celebrate your grandma and assure yourself that you will get the job. Hope this helps and have a great day.
Professor C
Elizabeth Lambert
Dentist Biology BS, DDS
55
Answers
Burton, Ohio
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Today I'd say YES. 20 years ago I'd say no. 5 years from now ...definitely.
Just my opinion. I am rather conservative in this regard FYI, so if I say Yes I'm guessing most would.
Just my opinion. I am rather conservative in this regard FYI, so if I say Yes I'm guessing most would.
Keith Rodgers
Sales Director
108
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Of course. Now, saying that, depending upon the unconscious (and sometimes conscious) bias of others that could color the outcome based on that. It is important to be your authentic self, but those bias will persist. It is not uncommon to wear clothing to cover, but that depends on the program culture and your level of comfort personally.
I would never ask anyone to compromise their personal beliefs. That said, while you have the right to those beliefs, it is important to remember your audience and be mindful of the biases that may exist.
I would never ask anyone to compromise their personal beliefs. That said, while you have the right to those beliefs, it is important to remember your audience and be mindful of the biases that may exist.
Selma King
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
4
Answers
Vallejo, California
Updated
Selma’s Answer
I don't think tasteful tattoos would negatively impact you in this type of career. I do think it's a good idea to be able to conceal a tattoo for times when you may want it to NOT be visible. For white collar careers visible tattoos are probably not a good idea. For example: Judge/Lawyer. I love my tattoo but I made sure that it's in a location I can easily conceal. Life is long and things such as careers change. Nice idea in remembrance of you're Grandma!