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Is it fine to wear braces + glasses?

MBB
New answer on Nov 11, 2020
11 Answers
1.5 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jun 28, 2020

I'm an analyst and my teeth aren't that bad, just a bit spaced out from each other but I already have quite a young looking face and wear glasses so I'm worried that having braces will make me weird in the office or with clients, although I really want to do it because I never had the chance to while I was a kid. Do you think this might harm my credibility in any way?

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 29, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Glasses are totally fine - a lot of consultants have it and you definitely won't feel out of place. For braces why not consider invisalign? It's really good and no one can tell

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Clara
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replied on Jun 28, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

One of my Engagement Managers in McK, a girl who also looked quite young, got braces during her work there, and there was not a problem.
She was wearing the ones that are like transparent and surrounding your teeth, you can have a look. It´s also good if you have projects abroad.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous A on Jun 29, 2020

That's reassuring, thank you. I didn't quite get why they are better for projects abroad, is it because they need less maintenance?

Anonymous replied on Jul 02, 2020

Dear A,

Don't worry. I'm sure people in consulting is quite smart and tolerant to react on these kind of things properly.

Best,
André

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Robert
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Content Creator
replied on Jun 30, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

No worries about that - for both application and job!

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Anonymous replied on Jun 28, 2020

Hello,

This is a perfectly legitimate question.

Actually it might juniorize you but somewhere you are junior right?

If in any case you are determined to have it at some point in your life, then maybe this is the best time. Anyway you will shine with your work and that will be enough to make you credible believe me :)

David

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Jul 01, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Don't worry about this! Completely forget about it and just go in and crush it :)

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Anonymous replied on Jun 30, 2020

Hi,

It won’t affect your credibility at all.

Best,

Anton

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2
Anonymous replied on Jun 29, 2020

Hi there,

It is fine, esp given you are still junior.

At analyst level, as long as your work is good and you are professional and nice to client, I wouldn't be worried.

Best,

Emily

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2
Anonymous replied on Jun 30, 2020

Hi there,

The thing that impacts a consultant's credibility, is his/her performance and attitude. (physical appearances could play a role in the 1-2 weeks, but the clients quickly get used to anything and switch their focus on content)

There have seen rather "compact" or "childish-looking" project managers to actually dominate meetings, give excellent presentations, and become the go-to person for the client.

Just own the way you look (glasses and braces are not a bad thing), and focus on letting your content and attitude prove your business maturity :) - Remember, if glasses and braces were bad, or a handicap to your success, then you would have not got the job from the first place :)

Best

Khaled

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Nov 11, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

No worries. It’s totally fine to wear glasses and braces.

Do you need any further help with your preparation?

All the best,

GB

(edited)

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Jul 05, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I agree with Udayan, if you use transparent braces I believe you won't really have any issue.

Glasses are totally fine in consulting, many consultants wear them.

Best,

Francesco

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