Many people interested in a career in the beauty and fashion industry only consider becoming a hairdresser, cosmetologist, colorist, or one of the other common positions found in salons. Although these jobs provide lucrative and satisfying opportunities for many cosmetology school graduates, there are other options out there for students looking for more. The following seven careers are just a small sampling of the many underrated and often overlooked career opportunities for those with a cosmetology degree.
1. Fashion Show Stylist
Collaborate with designers to show off the latest fashion trends.
In order to truly showcase the latest trends in the fashion world, designers rely upon the assistance of skilled stylists. In this job, you collaborate with the designer and other members of the team to create the final look for the runway by assisting in the selection of the clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories.
2. Beauty Business Consultant
Cosmetology school graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can find a satisfying career as a beauty business consultant. In this position, you sell the products or services of a larger corporation as an independent contractor or small business owner. You are expected to market the products, create demonstrations for potential clients, host parties, and more for commission-based payment.
3. Salon Franchisee
Another lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurial-inclined graduates is to buy and manage a salon franchise. Buying a franchise imparts the salon with the brand recognition and associated reputation of the company, which can help you to attract more clients from the start. You also typically have ongoing support from the company, which may include nationwide marketing campaigns. This ongoing support and brand recognition is why many people choose to open a franchise rather than their own salon.
4. Makeup Artist
Use your expertise to make others look their best.
If your passion is makeup, then a career as a makeup artist could be the perfect match. In this job, you can work in a salon and apply makeup to clients for special occasions, such as weddings, dances, birthdays, and more. Another option is to specialize in applying makeup for photo shoots, theater shows, movie or television shoots, or music videos.
5. Photo and Movie Stylist
Beauty school graduates with a keen interest in the entertainment industry can become a stylist for photo or movie shoots. Similar to a fashion show stylist, you work in collaboration with many other people to bring together the clothing and accessories to create the finalized look for advertisements, movies, television shows, music videos, and similar products.
6. Beauty Magazine Writer or Editor
Beauty school graduates who love to research and write can look for a career as a writer or editor for a magazine. An eye for spotting trends is also an important skill for this career, since you will often write about the up and coming trends in makeup, hair, and fashion. You will also be expected to research into any of the latest news and research in the beauty industry.
7. Cosmetology Instructor
Inspire the next generation of hairstylists.
Graduates who enjoy training new cosmetologists can always choose to become an instructor in a beauty school and pass on the tricks of the trade. As an instructor, you will be expected to have a solid understanding of all aspects of the field, even though you may specialize in a particular one, such as coloring, cutting, makeup application, or manicures. To become an instructor, you typically have to have a few years of experience as a working professional in the field, as well as undergo teacher training.
It is never too late to enter one of these exciting fields with your cosmetology degree. Working professionals can extend their current education to work towards a new career, or simply enhance their current skills, by taking continuing education online. Check out our courses that provide the best value for online continuing education in cosmetology.