Archive for February, 2008

The other day, I had a student ask me what to look for when visiting a school. Below are some of the suggestions I gave her. Is there anything that I missed? What do you think makes a beauty school a good fit for a student?

I highly recommend visiting as many schools as you can, even if you don’t think you want to go there. After you visit a campus or two, you’ll start to notice differences.

When you visit, be prepared with questions. You’ll be able to get a feel for the place by how the person answers them. If they are straight-forward and offer additional information, they will likely do the same with your education.

Some questions to consider -

• What accreditations does the school have?
  To be accredited, a school must pass qualifications of the accrediting organ. You can learn more about accreditations. The schools will be able to tell you who has accredited them.
• What financial aid is available, and what are your payment options?
  Finances can be an especially good way to evaluate the school’s focus on students. You don’t want them to blow off these questions. This is a commitment, and you need to be sure that you can handle it.
• What techniques that you will be taught? How does the school stay on the edge of fashion?
  Beauty trends change quickly. While there is a basic skill set that every cosmetology student needs, you need to be sure you will learn about new techniques and products as well. You can learn about different curriculums.
• Will you be able to work with a variety of clients?
  Schools will have you cut real client’s hair. You want to make sure that you will get experience with a variety of people. You don’t want to cut all middle aged men’s hair, or you won’t get a well-rounded education. Conversely, you don’t just want to do only funky, fashion-forward hair. Any good stylist needs a well-rounded skill set.
• What audience do you want to serve professionally?
  Your education needs will be different depending upon what your professional goals are. Make sure to ask questions about the area you are most interested in. For example, if you plan to serve an African-American community, you want to make sure you will get in-depth instruction in that area. Additionally, if you want a wide variety, make sure they have programs you are interested in.
• What are the other students like?
  By talking to students, you’ll be able to get a sense of how happy they are and how the school serves them. You can learn just as much from other students as the formal instruction.

CareerBuilder recently published the 30 Top Jobs of 2008 and predicted that service industry jobs would account for nearly 75 percent of all jobs by 2016. The top jobs categories included health care, financial services and computer training. If you’re not into blood, human anatomy, computers or you’re not good with numbers, it might seem you would be out of luck. There is still hope for us interested in cosmetology.

Among the 30 Top Jobs of 2008 I found three occupations that can make the world a more beautiful place (no blood, needles or numbers included).

Make-up Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Coming in as the #7 job on CareerBuilder’s list, this lifestyle of the beautiful and fabulous occupation is predicted to see a nearly 40 percent growth over the next eight years. Making people beautiful has a salary range of $30,630 - $46,300 a year and requires minimal make-up training. Have a flare for the dramatic side? Make everyday Broadway actors into Cats or a very Wicked witch. Theatre not your style? Make Carrie Underwood sparkle on tour or travel with Fall Out Boy and apply Pete Wentz’s eye liner.

Skin Care Specialist

Zits happen. Skin Care Specialists are out there to make them happen less. The #11 job of 2008 is expected to see a 34 percent growth. Making skin look young and fresh requires a little esthetician school and has an average salary range of $21,260 - $30,560 per year and this job offers a wide variety of locales. Work at the salon just down the street or at a luxury resort anywhere in the world. Like to travel? Cruise ships often house full service salons and spas for relaxed travelers.

Manicurists and Pedicurists

The difference between beautiful and drop-dead gorgeous is attention to detail. We’ve all seen celebrities make this mistake (Cameron Diaz is notorious). They pay thousands of dollars to hire top make-up artists, hair stylists and designers to make them look beautiful, then one close up of their $1.5 million Neil Lane diamond ring or $500 Jimmy Choo’s and the gig is up! These pics reveal chipped fingernail paint and gnarly toes. Manicurists and pedicurists jobs are expected to grow nearly 28 percent. With a little training, you can become a manicurist in 2008!