You want encouragement you got it. You have a great shaped face for a beard. It should look really awesome especially if you go for a big beard. You may not feel comfortable going for a yeard but how about going for 4 to 6 months for beard and then slowly let it get longer and long to test the limits of your employer. I am sure that if you sneak it in that you will become a trend setter. Perhaps you can lead the financial world back to the 19th century standard of bankers and industrialists all having big beards. You can get away with a lot when you introduce trends gradually.

As to shaping your beard, everyone has their own preference. I tended to use trimmers and scissors. I never trusted barbers just because of bad experiences with them but if you can find a good barber they can do wonders. Do not be afraid to "interview" the barber to see if they actually have the skills to do a good job.

I look forward to your future postings now go out then and show the financial world how professional a beard can look and see if you can start a trend with your cohorts.

MY NAME IS ROY D. MERCER AND  I GOTTA A CAN OF WHOOP ASS WITH YOUR NAME ON IT!  DON'T MAKE ME OPEN IT.