From Beauty School Graduate to Spa Therapist

Cameron worked in high-end jewelry retail, but lost her job in the economic downturn. "I started thinking about what I would enjoy, and I have always had an interest in skincare, beauty, and mind-body wellness," she says. She enrolled in Bellus Academy of Hair Design to become a spa therapist, and she received a job offer the day she graduated.

Did your beauty school offer any job placement services?

Yes, the beauty college did offer job placement services. I didn't get a job through that service exactly, but rather through a connection I had from the school. A skin care rep from the product line we used at Bellus visited the school, and she mentioned a job opening. She heard of a place that was hiring and suggested that I apply. I wasn't certain I'd get the job, but they called and offered me a position.

How long after beauty school did you get your first job?

I literally got the job offer at my graduation celebration dinner. I have a license in esthetics and I'm certified in massage therapy, so I work at day spa the specializes in skin care, and now I also work at a spa that mainly does massage therapy. Having a dual license opens up a lot of opportunities.

What was the best piece of information you learned in beauty school that helped with the school-to-work transition?

I think the best thing was the real-life experience we got in school. So many schools teach you just enough to get your license, but we learned practice and procedures that were cutting-edge.

What advice would you offer to someone interested in a career as a spa therapist?

Stay focused on your work, and learn everything you can while you are in school so that you can discover your niche.

Cameron also credits the teachers in her spa therapy courses for helping her to find her niche. "Follow the advice of your teachers," she says. "I wasn't sure if I wanted to own my own business or work in a spa, but the teachers guided me to the right career path."