Portable Career for Military Spouses: Pack Your Cosmetology License and Go!

By April Dykman

How many times have you relocated and had to find another job? Military spouses face specific challenges when it comes to developing their own careers, often deciding to forgo a career all together. Despite the challenges, active duty spouses can establish careers that pack down for easy travel.

Military Spouse Options for Funding Education

Military spouses can apply for scholarships through programs like the National Military Family Association, which awards scholarships for military spouses. Also, for the first time in history, qualifying service members enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program can transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses.

In addition, to help military spouses develop portable careers that they can continue when their family relocates, the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor cosponsor the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program. MyCAAs provide portable career opportunities for military spouses, making it easier for a military spouse to find a job following relocation. The account may be used to pay for up to $6000 of post-secondary education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, equipment, and credentialing or licensing fees.

Cosmetology School for Military Spouses

MyCAAs may be used with a variety of regionally- and nationally-accredited education providers, such as community colleges and trade schools. Cosmetology school is one type of education that fits the bill, and it can provide the basis for an exciting career in a creative industry.

Though requirements vary from state-to-state, it's possible to make up any hours needed to meet the new state's requirements. Some states, such as California, require a high number of hours that will meet and often exceed other state's reciprocity requirements.

Lynelle Lynch, president of the Bellus Academy of Beauty and Spa in San Diego, California, says, "If a licensed cosmetologist transferred from New York to California, he or she would need to take 600 more hours and then pass the state test."

Globetrotting military spouses should consider a cosmetology school that offers international certification through ITEC, such as Bellus Academy. ITEC is an international examination board that offers a variety of qualifications worldwide, including beauty programs. ITEC certification allows you to work in 33 countries. "It provides more options should your family be transferred overseas," says Lynelle.

Job Placement and Flexibility for Military Spouses

Lynelle says another benefit of cosmetology school for military spouses are the job placement services in the beauty industry. "Unlike a lot of industries, the beauty industry is a collaborative community," she says. "Bellus, for example, is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. When a student must relocate, I can contact that network to find a school in the area that can help him or her find a job."

A cosmetology license also is a great option for military spouses who want to start a family. "A stylist can start a family and just work part time if they want," says Lynelle. "This is one of the only industries with that kind of flexibility."

About the Author
April Dykman is a freelance writer with a background in marketing, education, and event planning in the beauty industry.