Cosmetology Continuing Education for the New Year
It's the new year, and that means it's time to take a look at your professional skill set, business know-how, and savvy smarts to analyze whether or not it’s time to tweak, boost, and level up your craft.
Even if you’re a total beauty pro expert (which we don’t doubt), everyone (yep, we said everyone!) can benefit from investing in a little CE – or rather, continuing education.
Here's a hot take and a hill we will always die on in the beauty pro world:
Continuing education is vital for everyone – it keeps you sharp, ensures you’re trend-savvy, and furthers your skill set.
The more you know (and the better you are at it) the more clients you can access, the more services you can offer, and the more threatening you are to your competition.
Continuing education is a smart move for folks looking to boost their business, up their game, and improve their craft in the new year!
Why Should Beauty Pros Invest in CE?
Aside from the fact that you should always want to improve your skills simply because it’s part of your ever-succeeding, progressive nature (we know that’s how you are!), there are plenty of reasons that continuing your education in the new year (every new year, for that matter) is a smart move.
Knowledge is Power
It’s a common saying because it’s incredibly accurate – the more you know, the better off you are. You should always be on the hunt to acquire more knowledge.
Think about it – if you refuse to learn and stay up-to-date in this industry, you’re going to be left behind on modern trends and potentially become obsolete. Seek out knowledge, thirst for new skills – do whatever it takes to ensure that you’re up-to-snuff on your education so you’re not left in the dust!
Can You Say Industry Leader?
Do you want to lead the pack? You don’t get there by standing still. If you want to be an industry leader, then act like it. You need to be on a constant mission to learn all you can, stay in-the-know, and grow your clientele with new, improved skills that you’re acquiring at every turn.
Depending on Your State, it Might Be Required
This varies from state to state, but it’s possible that continuing education might be required (at some point) for you to keep your license current. Make sure you’re checking your state’s regulations so you can ensure you’re staying up-to-date on your license requirements.
It’s a Blast
Aside from the practicality of it all, it’s also just super fun to learn new things, hone your skills, and perfect your craft. Whether you choose CE in the form of expos, symposiums, classes, or more, there’s plenty of opportunity to have fun while learning something new!
How You Can Pursue CE This Year
So, how exactly can you get going on your CE game this year? There are so many options out there. If you’re more of a hands-on learner, consider live CEs at expos or symposiums.
If you prefer a classroom environment, know there are several in-person programs available.
Too busy to attend a class in-person? There are a lot of online providers out there, too!
The Classic Approach: In-Class Continuing Education Options
If you’d rather go the classic route when it comes to continuing education, know that there are plenty of options out there! Some of the top continuing education programs have several campuses across the United States making it easier than ever to pursue your CE goals.
Consider national programs or check for in-person classes within your state for more local (and potentially less expensive) options.
If you’ve never considered independent educators as an option, now might be the time!
Check out establishments like Beauty Coach, The Goonies, SR Education, and more! Product supply stores are also likely to offer product-specific continuing education (think establishments like Salon Centric and Cosmoprof).
Online CE Providers
Luckily, we live in an era where CE classes are more accessible and flexible than ever – in fact, there are hundreds of online continuing education providers out there on the world wide web.
Before you get invested in these programs though, ensure that you’re confident that the provider is both legitimate, reputable, and accredited – the last thing you want is to put all that effort in for a continued education program that doesn’t actually count toward your license!
Check out national programs for online options (Paul Mitchell, Beauty Academy, MAC, etc.) and even local programs that might offer continued education programs.
Live CEs at Your Dream Trade Shows
This is --- easily – one of the most exciting ways to invest in our continued education. Tradeshows, expos, symposiums, glam fests – whatever you want to call them – are fun, exciting, and endlessly beneficial.
When you choose to invest in a tradeshow or expo, you’re not just buying yourself a few days of fun and networking (although, that’s part of it), you’re also gifting yourself the opportunity to take several hands-on workshops, look-and-learn demos, and tons of independent education opportunities!
Check out must-attend expos in your area or around the country and find a few faves that you absolutely have to get tickets for!
Don’t Skimp on Business Education
Continuing education programs are a big part of honing your skill set, so while you’re working to perfect your craft, don’t miss out on upping your business skills, too!
Consider online programs, in-person classes, and other training programs to beef up your business savvy while you’re at it!
Continuing education is one of those things that never goes away. To some, the idea of always chasing endless education is overwhelming.
But honestly? It has the potential to be downright refreshing!
There's always something new and exciting to learn, right? That means there's always something new and exciting you can implement in your own beauty biz.
Speaking of always learning–that's exactly what our beauty blog is all about. Make sure you're subscribe to EBS so you're always in the know about the latest and greatest happening in your industry.
