piercings/tattoos in MSW interview

[rahhbekuhh]

Hey all! Not sure if this has been discussed before, but I'm having a minor life crisis (lol aren't we all when applying to schools) about my nose piercing and how it might affect my interview.  I have a small stud on my nostril, nothing wild or too extravagant. I want to believe that social workers, of all different departments, will be the most understanding and chill regarding it but it's also academia, which is a world I haven't been in since 2015.  I work in non-profit services with a bunch of progressive social workers who have tattoos, gauges, piercings galore so to me the culture seems to be chill with it but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with them during interview and classroom settings.  Do I take it out?  Leave it and present myself as I am?  Any advice would be amazing

[stantaj2]

I totally understand this concern! I don't think it should be an issue and I'd imagine that other applicants and social workers in the field have visible non-earlobe piercings too. Unrelated but I used to work in policy advocacy and even the attorneys had nose piercings.

You should leave it in! If it is a problem then I would seriously wonder about the school...

[Polcc]

for sure leave it in and present yourself as you are. If someone won't accept you based on that then is that really a place you want to be? The only issue I can see is working in residential facility and for safety purposes but its usually a suggestion. Several coworkers of mine and other social workers have many tattoos and piercings with no issues! Don't change because the environment makes you feel as though you need to! 

[ayshaface]

6 minutes ago, Polcc said:

for sure leave it in and present yourself as you are. If someone won't accept you based on that then is that really a place you want to be? The only issue I can see is working in residential facility and for safety purposes but its usually a suggestion. Several coworkers of mine and other social workers have many tattoos and piercings with no issues! Don't change because the environment makes you feel as though you need to! 

This this this! I have a tattoo on my wrist and a big one on my back and no one has said anything in all of my teaching interviews when I was a teacher before. If teachers accept it, MSW programs should as well!

[spookyszn]

I have had many social work interviews/experiences in work, volunteer, research, and school environments. I've had crazy hair, multiple visible facial piercings, stretched ears, and full tattoo sleeves (I wore a blazer with quarter length sleeves, so they were definitely visible). I have had no concerns! The only place where this might matter (work related) is a hospital setting, but even so I believe outside of a health perspective (for some reason) they would not count this against you. 

All the best to you in your interview!

[perfectamity]

Be the best you but never be someone else for the sake of others. 

[rahhbekuhh]

Thanks everyone!  This definitely has helped me feel better!  I love social work for this very reason because they look at the whole person rather than judge at first glance.  But I was scared of academic settings!  THANK YOU!!

[MCSW23]

My Penn gal didn't say anything about my nose rings and I have several visible tattoos, though they were covered with long sleeves. As far as I know, I've not known it to be an issue  

In my experience, people are going to trust you more if you don't look like an uptight white person and tattoos/piercings can help with that.

[rahhbekuhh]

1 hour ago, madisonc7 said:

My Penn gal didn't say anything about my nose rings and I have several visible tattoos, though they were covered with long sleeves. As far as I know, I've not known it to be an issue  

In my experience, people are going to trust you more if you don't look like an uptight white person and tattoos/piercings can help with that.

Thanks!  That's comforting too!  my coworkers joke that I look give off kindergarten teacher vibes, but now with my nose piercing i look like a cool kindergarten teacher.  hahaha.

[LisaOh]

From my experience, it is not an issue whatsoever. 

[ara275]

My sister completed her Psychology PhD with a small stud in her nostril, as well as several tattoos (all can be covered by professional style clothing).

I have 4 tattoos and the only ones you can see are small ones on the insides of my ankles. I wish I could get a piercing, but my ears are allergic to most metals and I don't think I'd want to test out that allergic reaction on my nose haha.

You should absolutely be fine. Your professionalism, conduct and academic and professional record should all speak for itself during the interview.

Edited March 2, 2020 by ara275

[rahhbekuhh]

Thanks everyone for the input!  I took the advice and left mine in!  To my surprise, my interviewer had a piercing as well  I appreciate it! you guys seriously helped me feel way more confident about it!