BEAUTICIAN
Says Georgia…..
I wanted to be either in advertising or law so I made sure I chose subjects at school which would help me towards that career, including 3-unit legal studies.
During my senior school years I did work experience at both a law firm and advertising firm and I hated it. But I also did work experience at a beauty salon for something different. I loved it. When I was in year 12 they offered me a full-time apprenticeship. It was a big decision for me to leave school without finishing my Higher School Certificate. I’d just been elected school captain and I quite liked school. But I had one day to decide and so, after talking to my parents and my teachers, I decided to take it. I knew I could always go back to TAFE to do my HSC.
I became the assistant manager at the salon which gave me my apprenticeship and two years later they appointed me as the business manager at another of their salons. Where I work now is a bit bigger, with eight beauticians.
Being the manager involves keeping the books and balancing the budget which is great for me because it’s a whole new area from being a hands-on beautician, which I still do as well.
The salon does all the usual beauty treatments – facials, waxing, body treatments. While you’re an apprentice you learn all of this at TAFE and we used to practice on each other before we were allowed to see clients. I’ve found you also provide another role – a bit like a counsellor because people often tell you things about their personal life so it’s very important that you are the sort of person who can make others feel comfortable.
Best Bit
The most enjoyable part is meeting clients and making them feel comfortable, and eventually feeling like a friend rather than a beautician or a client. You can also gain valuable insights into your own life by hearing their stories of what’s happened in their lives.
Worst Bit
Smelly people!
The Future
I would really like to do a workplace training and assessment certificate through TAFE so that I could become a TAFE teacher in the field. I’ll have to wait until I have seven years experience before I can apply.
GEORGIA’S SUCCESS TIPS
• Try as many different things as you can to find out what you love doing
• Know what you want and do whatever is necessary to get there
• Never stop learning and achieving
INTERESTED?
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NB: If you wish to attend TAFE/CIT contact these institutions directly for the latest course info and advice about this career area.
More Info:
TAFE NSW: 131 601 / CIT: (02) 6207 3188 CIT: http://www.cit.act.edu.au/home / TAFE: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/ Website: http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/
Web Link:
http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/occupation/view/451111A