Are beards acceptable in corporate America?

Question

I work for a large fortune10 corporation and I hate shaving all the time. I really want to grow a beard. There's nothing specifically written in the hand book that says you can't have a beard as long as its neat, but I wonder if people would think I am unprofessional if I have a beard. espcially during the growing out phase.

Answer 1

Look above you....those in higher professions...any beards?  No there will be nothing written in the manual, but it is not considered acceptable.  The few bearded employees we had were kept tucked in  bullpens or closed labs.  Dress and act like the job you are striving for, before you have it.  (retired IBM exec mgr/college prof)

Answer 2

It's going to look tacky for a while, but that's okay.  Beards are quite acceptable in professional occupations.  Keep it neat.

I wouldn't recommend a full beard.  If you shave the neck (below the chin) it will look much neater.  This especially helps during the growing out phase.

Yes, that means that you have to shave your neck, but it REALLY cuts down on the amount of shaving you have to do, and is worth it, IMO.  This is what I do.

And you can get away with skipping a day once in a while, too.