Building a Career with Your Cosmetology License

Here at Compass Career College of Hammond, LA, we offer a cosmetology program that trains our students to know how to excel in a career in health and beauty. Our classroom training is coupled with our on-campus salon, which allows students to put their skills to real-life practice, under the supervision of faculty and staff.

With a faster-than-average job growth outlook of 10% through 2024 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), and with the ability to pursue this career without the need for an expensive, time-consuming traditional college degree, you can see why our cosmetology program has become a popular offer to students of all ages, regardless of their background or experience.

Many of our students come into the program nervous and unsure if they have what it takes to make it. In their first few weeks, they struggle to hold both scissors and comb simultaneously, yet by the time they're ready to graduate, they're styling hair with ease, creativity, and flair.

But like any other career, the transition from classroom to "the real world" can be tricky and challenging. With so much growth and excitement gained from your schooling, how can you use that to your advantage in your career?

For starters, stay focused on your most important end goals

It's easy to get overwhelmed on all that lies ahead in your career. But before you get carried away with those stressors, focus first on passing your state board exam. None of your career aspirations can come to fruition if you aren't licensed. Target all of your energy and concentration on your exam, before you start feeling overwhelmed about the what-ifs of your career.

Design a dream job vision board

Many people create vision boards to stay focused on what they want out of life, be it family, fortune, or, of course, a career. But you can create a job vision board with a bit more targeted focus, by designing a pie chart.

Your pie chart will feature a circle made up of 6 parts. Within each slice, write down something that you want from your dream job. This may include:

• The type of people you want to work with
• Finding a salon that offers benefits
• Moving to a new city

Looking for a job can be fun, will be tiring, but should also be fruitful. With a growing number of opportunities out there, you should be able to find the job you truly want, but it starts with writing down what you're looking for, so you can stay on your desired path during your job search.

Think of your next education steps

The education you'll receive at Compass Career College will provide you with the foundation you need to launch your career in cosmetology.

But as you progress in your career, you'll likely find yourself taking more courses to advance your skills. Make a list of all of the types of courses or training you envision needing in the long term. Perhaps you want to train to work with models or actors? Perhaps you want to expand on hair coloring? The list you create is likely made up of skill sets you currently lack some confidence in. Make those an area of priority in your continuing education and, even better, address those concerns in job interviews. Interviewers will love that you're already thinking about next steps.

Lean on others for support and advice

There is a tremendous amount of excitement following getting your license; but make no mistake: a license does not mean you're an experienced cosmetologist. You still need to listen to your boss, your colleagues, mentors, fellow former students and more. In other words, accept that you have much to learn in this career, and do whatever it takes to learn these skills.

Lastly, get excited for the jump and embrace the potential falls

There is no question that this is an exciting career to be a part of. Our last bit of advice is, take a leap of faith. With your training from Compass Career College, you have what it takes to build a viable, rewarding career of your choosing. Find a mentor to help you bridge that gap between school and career, and we're confident you'll soon be on to exciting adventures.