Tattoos are becoming more common in college-aged students and recent graduates, the next generation of the workforce, and because of that, this generation has the ability to change the way professionals view tattoos.

As tattoos gain popularity, they are becoming more accepted in certain workplaces, depending on the individual organization and its openness to employee self-expression. However, there are still some employers with negative views of tattoos that cannot be covered, even though there isn’t a law or ban against them.

As a student who has high professional aspirations as well as tattoo aspirations, adding to the work I already have on my arm, I would rather employers look at my ability to complete the job at hand and not pay attention solely to how I have chosen to express myself.

Brandon Lagana, acting executive director of Career Services, said Career Services encourages students to do research on the organizations they are applying to because it will help them better understand the company’s culture and permissiveness toward certain attire, jewelry, piercings and tattoos before an interview.

“The common theme for [employers] has been that whether you’re talking about an interview process or a career fair, they are looking at projecting an image that puts the focus on your skills and your talents,” Lagana said. “Anything that would detract or distract from the focus being on you and what you can bring to that organization is what they discourage.”

Doug DePalma, graduate teaching assistant in the English department, has 10 tattoos that fill both arms as well as an additional piece on his chest.

“I cover my tattoos if I do anything professional,” DePalma said.

During his interview process for acquiring a job following college, he kept his tattoos fully covered so they wouldn’t be a problem.

“I think it’s a generational thing,” DePalma said. “So when I’m teaching, I don’t feel as bad rolling up my sleeves, but if I’m dealing with older audiences, I will.”

Tattoos are viewed differently from generation to generation, and that’s why this topic is controversial. While one would hope employers focus on an employee’s work-related achievements and failures to determine whether they deserve a promotion, this is not always the case.

Focusing on physical attributes, 27 percent of employers cited visible tattoos as an aspect that would deter them from promoting an employee, which is just above bad breath at 23 percent, according to a July 2, 2015, careerbuilder.com survey.

Whether a tattoo is visible or can be covered up creates a different dynamic with some employers. Career Services has had employer partners who have shown students they have tattoos but that they are in places where professional business attire would cover them up if they feel it is needed, Lagana said.

In the coming years, I believe the problem with tattoos will be an issue of the past and no one will have to worry about covering up their body art. Tattoos are free expression, and if they do not include profanity or depict something vulgar, they should be allowed in the workplace.

“I don’t think tattoos should define [whether] people get hired. If they are qualified, it shouldn’t matter if they have a quote or picture that means something to them on their body. But sadly, I know that’s not how real life works,” said Derek Schafer, senior communication major.

Even though tattoos are becoming more common and the public is becoming more accepting, people still feel the need to cover them up. If older generations continue to remain in charge, there will be no change. I believe once my generation steps into higher roles, tattoos will be nothing to bat an eye at.