How to Start Working With the Beauty Industry Before You’ve Graduated
Some people think there’s no way for them to start participating in the beauty industry if they don’t hold a cosmetology license. If you’re currently going through beauty school or you’re thinking about starting, you probably know you’re in for some amazing training, but you might not think that you can do much to kickstart your eventual career. Here are a few tips if you’re looking to get started with the beauty industry as early as possible.
1. Take time with your student salon
In some ways, this is simply unavoidable. In order to become a hairstylist, nail tech, makeup artist, or similar, you’ll need to work some hours in your student salon. However, taking additional hours can be a great way to learn even more and really perfect your skills. You’ll start learning extra information, like how to handle client complaints or what education credits you might want to eventually pursue, and those extra skills will be critical for your future career in beauty.
2. Reach out to salons before you actually graduate
You don’t need to be a beauty school graduate to start calling salons and asking about their opportunities. Some salons may have apprentice programs that help you transition seamlessly into the workplace. Others may be able to help you set up a job interview that could result in job opportunities, eventually building into a successful career. You can make your first steps toward your beauty career long before you graduate.
3. Build your portfolio
Your portfolio is like an extension of your business card, and it’s exceptionally important that you maintain it. An online portfolio is completely acceptable; you can just make a social media account on Instagram and regularly post your best work. Not only will this show potential employers what you’re able to do, but it’ll also showcase your growth as a beauty professional over time, which is helpful when you’re working with real clients.
4. Use your time in school to attend conferences and make connections
You should be doing your best to attend as many extracurriculars as possible during school. This is how you build connections and meet future employers, licensed professionals, and other members of the industry who will be extremely important in your cosmetology career. For example, many hairstylists are independent contractors, which means you may need to find someone who has open salon space when you go to set up your own business. Finding someone in your area can require connections that you can build during school.
5. Practice with your friends and fellow students
Practicing doesn’t necessarily just have to be in a student salon. It’s also possible to practice with friends and other students. For example, if you’re learning about styling hair, you might be able to find growth opportunities just by offering hair styling services to your friends. This can give you extra hands-on experience, which can be critical.
Start your journey through the beauty industry today
Whether you’re already a student or you’re just getting started, the beauty industry has a variety of options to kickstart your career. If you aren’t already in a beauty program, there’s no better time to start than today. Schedule a tour with Evergreen Beauty College today to learn more about the various programs available and how they might be the perfect solution for an eventual career.
FAQs: Working With the Beauty Industry
Do you need to go through a schooling program to have a beauty industry job?
Beauty school is about more than just checking a box on your path. It’s about getting hands-on training, learning pieces of advice you can only get from people who have already been in the beauty industry, and building connections that will help you reach more potential clients. In many states, holding a cosmetology or esthetician license is mandatory, but even if it isn’t, being a license holder shows that you’re serious about offering hair, nail, barbering, or makeup services.
Which type of course should I go through for my future job?
The specific course you choose for your cosmetology program will often depend on the career path you want to pursue after you leave. Nail tech programs, for example, are best for those who want to primarily deal with nail care; esthetics programs are better for people who want to become skincare specialists. Make sure you talk to your admissions department about what you want to do so they can steer you to the correct path.
How expensive will it be for me to go through a cosmetology school?
It depends heavily on the specific school, the program you want to attend, whether you’re going full-time or part-time, and what state you’re in. Every school will have their own costs associated with it. If you’re interested in having a career in makeup or another beauty field, talk to the beauty school you’re pursuing about their financial aid options, which can help students of all types achieve their goals.