Let’s say you’ve done your research, (attended one of our Open House events!) and have reached the point where you’ve decided you REALLY want to become an esthetician and you’re ready to begin your esthetics training. Before you take a seat in that chair, read the following tips on how you can prepare for this big adventure.
1. Know your “why.”
Asking yourself “Why do you want to attend beauty school?” is a good first step. Knowing what your “why” is—and making sure it’s concrete and focused—will keep you motivated over the long haul. Because like so many things in life, success in this industry is a marathon, not a sprint.
For example, if your why is “I want to own my own salon within two years of graduation,” think about all the steps you need to take and map out an action plan. One of the biggest first steps will be school itself. Then, understand the many different steps within your school’s program, whether it’s ten months or two years (or something in between).
Always keep your eye on your why, but celebrate the small successes along the way, like graduating from theory to the clinic floor, sitting for the state licensure exam, and starting your first gig.
2. Be open to changing your “why.”
Dreams evolve, and that’s OK. You might go into esthetics school thinking you want to work in a spa, but maybe somewhere along the way, you discover a passion for makeup and travel—and you want to figure out a life that includes both. Revisit your “why” and adjust, as needed, along with the necessary steps.
3. Make the call, send the email, walk through the door.
When it comes to your training, sometimes the hardest thing is making the initial inquiry into a school’s program. DO IT. Make the call, request information, walk through the door. Admissions representatives are eager to speak with you and learn about your why—and how their program can help you achieve it.
Do you find yourself asking any of the following questions?
Will I fit in?
Will this work for me?
Is this a good idea?
You’re not alone. So many current students (as well as successful graduates) asked those same questions. Uncertainty is natural when you start something new—anything new. But admissions can help alleviate your fears by answering your questions, providing helpful info, introducing you to students, and showing you the possibilities. That said, you shouldn’t be a passive participant in this process. Treat any meetings you have with admissions representatives like you would a job interview: Research the program online, compile your questions, and come prepared. Ask to meet with current students to get a vibe for the day-to-day life.
4. Remember that you’re enrolling in school for a reason—to LEARN.
There’s a famous quote that goes like this: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Sure, you might enter your program with some measure of talent and loads of creativity. But not everyone enters with the same skill sets. It’s perfectly OK if you don’t have any real experience, just a dream.
And even if you’ve taught yourself some skills over the years, you still need to show a willingness to re-learn what you think you already know. Your instructors are here to teach you proper techniques and standards. Before you can “break” the rules, you need to learn them inside out. Bottom line: be a sponge!
“Stay focused and organized. There is much to learn during this course, and it is important to not get distracted and fall behind. Stay on top of your hours and work because graduation approaches faster than you think. Most importantly, have fun! Beauty school is a great experience and should be enjoyed every day!” ~ Gabrielle P.
5. Understand that skills take time to develop.
This aligns with the previous point. It’s easy to look at what people are doing on social media and think “why can’t I just do that?” But here’s the thing: Developing expertise takes time. When things are challenging—with school, with life, juggling all the demands in both—remember to be patient with yourself, with others, and with the overall process.
No one wakes up knowing how to create a perfectly arched eyebrow. Social influencers often make these things look effortless, but don’t forget, you’re seeing one or two images or videos—not everything left behind on the cutting room floor. You’re also not seeing the months and years it took them to learn these skills in the first place.
Myra Betances is a cosmetologist at Affinity Hair Salon and Spa, and she also works as an instructor at Tri-State Cosmetology Institute. She says, “The biggest advice I would give my younger self is to be patient. Everything eventually falls into place, and you will end up where you need to be.” So don’t beat yourself up if you feel you should be better than you are when you enter school. Everyone who is serious about this industry starts by learning the same foundational elements.
6. Know what to expect from your program.
Get to know the program you’re applying to by reviewing the website and any other relevant materials, like brochures and catalogs. Talking to the school’s admissions counselor and tour their facilities.
In general, here’s what you can expect:
Levels, phases, sections, modules, semesters—how a school structures its program will depend on the school itself.
You’ll tackle theory-rich content first. From there, you might go even deeper into theory, like infection control and all the foundational practices.
Then, somewhere in the middle of the program (and this can vary by state), you’ll transition onto the clinic floor where you’ll start taking guests.
Towards the end of the program, you’ll start reviewing for your state’s licensing exam.
You’ll most likely start with theory. Then, the goal is to apply theories practically in a clinic setting. From there, programs tend to loop around, integrating more theory along with clinic work. Regular quizzes and tests are standard. As you complete various chapters, levels, or phases, your knowledge will be tested so that your instructors (and you!) can make sure you’re learning before moving on to a new section. And, of course, regular testing ensures you’ll be better equipped to sit for and pass the state board theory exam.
7. Be prepared to learn soft skills in addition to practical skills.
You enroll in esthetics school to learn a craft. But we guarantee—if you keep an open mind—you’ll learn so many important “soft skills.”
Below is an incomplete list of the soft skills you’ll likely develop:
People skills – you’ll learn how to talk more effectively/clearly with instructors, peers, clients
Listening skills – specifically active listening; this will be something you develop quickly as you work with more and more guests in the student clinic.
Time management – not just in life, but also in your approach to the services you deliver.
Creative problem-solving – you’ll encounter challenges, from cranky guests to unrealistic expectations; your job is to find solutions that’ll make everyone happy.
Dependability – you need to show up, especially when you’re on the clinic floor—people are depending on you to be there.
Soft skills won’t simply make you a better esthetician—they will make you a better human.
Whatever path you decide to take, we wish you much luck on your journey.
Excerpted from Milady Training website, career of possibilities
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