Life After Esthetics School

Most esthetician schools only prepare you to take and pass your state boards. While this is a necessary component of your career path, many schools fail to prepare students for the real world of esthetics. The longevity for an esthetics career is short lived as many estheticians don't stay in the business long. After speaking with both current estheticians and former estheticians, I believe the estheticians that left the business left for one of two reasons, either they didn't have the passion to fuel their career and/or they weren't prepared for the business side of esthetics. Schools don't spend a lot of time talking about building clientele, liability insurance, employer/employee relations and commission splits.


What can an esthetician student do to prepare themselves for life after esthetics school? I think the most important thing every esthetician needs to have is PASSION for the business because without it you are doomed to fail. Next, every esthetician student should learn as much as they can about the business side of esthetics either through an internship or by taking a business marketing class. International Dermal Institute offers these classes for free (please verify with your local IDI).

While you are in school network with not only your esthetics instructors, but with guest speakers and skin care reps that come to your school. Do whatever you can to stay in touch with these people. You never know when a job opportunity might come up, and they will have you fresh in their mind if you continue to network with them. Find a niche while you are in school, and try to be the best of the best in that particular niche. Consider taking an accounting class or find a friend who has accounting experience willing to help you with the financial side of your esthetics business (if you decide to open your own practice).  Buy esthetics learning DVD's and study and study some more to learn everything you can. Even if you think you are outstanding, everyone can use a refresher course and these DVD's are very handy.

Remember, your real education starts after the ink dries on your esthetics license.