As a student at Cinta Aveda Institute, one has so many expectations for their career after graduation. Whether working at a spa or salon, or owning your own, there are many directions you can take. Students often have peers or classmates within the industry, helping them to gain exposure and network.
We also have the fortune of having some of the best teachers within their field who are skillful at teaching techniques and modalities, both traditional and modern, that help students learn and cultivate their chosen area of expertise. Their one on one advice and tips, along with classroom demonstrations, expose students to new and exciting ways to enhance their skills.
Ashley is one of those teachers. A former student at Aveda, and a staff member of Cinta Salon, Ashley has a wealth of knowledge to share. I had the opportunity of asking Ashley a number of questions to help perspective and current students make the most out of their experience at Cinta Aveda and ways to help them prepare for a career in the Beauty Industry.
- Why did you choose Cinta Aveda?
- The beautiful institute, having two programs in one, was better than the other schools I looked at.
- What was your area of study while at Cinta Aveda?
- The Esthiology program.
- How would you compare Cinta Aveda to other institutes?
- Better education, more professional, most educated instructors, great products.
- What was your focus?
- Makeup, skin care, eye lash extensions and to become a well rounded Esthetician and get my license.
- How did you develop your skills?
- Practice and obtain employment teaching makeup and giving personal beauty advice to clients.
- How would recommend a student make connections within the beauty industry?
- Take classes wherever you can, network with peers, take free beauty classes at Sephora stores, look into Model Mayhem and network with good quality photographers, and stylists. Volunteer at the Academy of Art to obtain photos for your portfolio. Connect with social networks and promote your skills on LinkedIn.
- Did Cinta Aveda help you make connections?
- With peers, new clients, Academy of Art Fashion Institute, new opportunities at my current job within Sephora.
- How did your connections help you after graduation?
- Continue growth at the Cinta Aveda Institute and the Cinta Salon.
- Are you still in touch with your classmates?
- Yes, on Facebook and phone.
- Were you able to build a portfolio while in school?
- Yes, but I had one before I started school and I continue to build it.
- How should one go about building a portfolio?
- Trade for prints with photographers. Use Model Mayhem. Photograph your work. Get certificates and put them into your portfolio book.
- When applying for jobs, is a portfolio necessary to show perspective employers?
- Yes.
- Did you extern while in school?
- No I worked at Sephora and in cosmetics for 12 years prior to attending school.
- What was your favorite part about attending Cinta Aveda?
- Learning facials, waxing, and taking real clients.
- Would you recommend Cinta Aveda to other perspective Estheticians?
- Yes
- What should a newly certified Esthetician expect when looking for a job within the industry?
- It’s competitive. You may have to start out as a receptionist or apprentice for a while before they hire you on as an esthi. I had some places tell me I needed to have a year’s experience at the location before I could take clients there. Be ready for baby steps into a clientele and continue your education after school.
- What would you suggest people do to give them the cutting edge when applying for work?
- Have as many skills as possible for the environment where you want to work. Project a professional, positive, personable attitude and be flexible.
- Is there anything you’d tell a prospective or attending student to make the most out of their experience at Cinta Aveda?
- You’re only here once so make the most out of it. Learn as much as you can, and have fun, but take it seriously. Be nice to your instructors, because they are here to help you grow and become the best you can be.
Being in school opens doors for you in ways that you may not have expected. There may be opportunities in areas that you never considered, like working for a magazine, film, theater, or in a spa. Read trade publications, blogs, and take advantage of making connections at school. That will help to broaden your perspective or even change your career path.
Having access to the Cinta Aveda job board, externships, the creative team, and talking with instructors like Ashley are helpful ways to gain insight and experience you need to help you build your career.
