Cosmeticians

One of the first activities you may consider in exploring this career is to get a facial or other service provided by a cosmetician. As a client yourself, you will be able to observe the work setting and actually experience the procedure. Often people are best at providing services when they enjoy receiving the service or believe in its benefits.

Next, you may want to research this field by looking at association and trade magazines (such as Dermascope, https://www.dermascope.com, and Skindeep, https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/read/account_titles/166043), the publications cosmeticians read to stay current with their field's trends. Trade publications will give you an idea of what current technical, legal, and fashion issues cosmeticians face.

You may choose to contact cosmetology schools to find out about cosmetician or esthetician programs in your area. Request informational brochures or course listings from the schools and speak to school advisers about the training involved and the nature of the work. A good way to locate cosmetology schools is to conduct an Internet search.

Also, once you have found a cosmetology school that interests you, ask to set up an information interview with an instructor or recent graduate. Go to the interview prepared to ask questions. What is the training like? What does this person enjoy about the job? What is the most difficult aspect of the work? By asking such questions you may be able to determine if the field is right for you.

You may also be able to set up an information interview with a cosmetician who works at a spa or salon near you. Again, go to the interview prepared with questions. By networking in this fashion, you may also develop a mentor relationship. Then you may be able to spend time with your mentor at his or her place of work and observe everyday activities.

Getting a part-time position at a salon or spa on weekends or after school is an excellent way to explore the field. Because you are working at the spa or salon on a regular basis, you will learn more about what various jobs are like and how the business functions. While on the job, you can observe the interaction between clients and cosmeticians, the interaction among coworkers, the different levels of management, and the general atmosphere. This can help you decide whether this is an area you would like to explore further.

Participate in competitions that gauge your knowledge of skin care theory and techniques. The following organizations offer skin care competitions: SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org) and Skills Compétences Canada (https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com).