I am looking at two different schools to get my master esthetician license — each is 1200 hours. One of the schools spends about 1/2 time in the classroom and 1/2 time performing services on clients. The other school spends about 1/4 time in the classroom and the rest performing services on clients.
Which is more important — emphasis on education or experience?
Dear mlehmanusa,
This question is not that easy to answer. When hiring an aesthetician, there is a combination of qualities that one looks for. Yes, there are some schools that produce a better caliber of aesthetician, but that is not the only criteria. When selecting a schools:
- Call local spa directors and ask them for their feedback on the schools and the caliber of staff that comes form the school.
- What is your learning style. Do you learn better from hands on or from books. You need to select a school that will provide you with the training that will best support your learning style.
- What products and procedures will the school be training you on. Is it state of the art products and procedures or are they old product lines or product lines that are not being used in the types of spas you would like to work in. A spa director will always give an edge to someone who has already worked with and is knowledgeable about the products they use.
Of course, some qualities that I looked for in an aesthetician, did not come from the schools: - Good professional appearance
- A passion for the job they do
- A positive attitude, smiles. Team player
- Great sales skills
- Proper etiquette, lets the guest walk into the room first, explains what will happen,
- Places the clients needs first and exceeds their expectations.
- A desire to learn more and looks for continuing educational opportunities
The list of qualities is endless. Tap into your passion and you will be successful. When you are your best you cannot help but do your best.
