COSMETOLOGY/ESTHETICS MAKE TOP 30 CAREERS IN 2009

US News and World Report has just released its Best Careers issue and Cosmetology has once again made the newsmagazine's top 30 careers for 2009 scoring high in job satisfaction and employment outlook. Cosmetology debuted for the first time last year after the magazine opened up the list to careers that do not require a college degree.

In 2008, the magazine recognized that the U.S. job scene has been changing for a long time. Increasingly, bachelor's degree holders have been experiencing increased difficulty finding jobs, mainly because companies continue to send business and technical professional jobs "offshore." Secondly, as the majority of high school teachers push students to go to college, there's a decreasing supply of professional services workers, skilled in the arts and crafts. Therefore, the changing work environment has seen a significant demand for women and men with a career-focused education whose abilities stand out in the arts and crafts - just like Cosmetology and Esthetics.

Continued optimism is pervasive throughout the beauty industry. Below is a reader's comment to the U.S. News account of the Best Careers in 2009:

"There are so many avenues in this industry one can take. There are no glass ceilings like in corporate America which is why I wake up excited to pursue this (my) CAREER every morning."

While most people view being a salon hairstylist as the main career choice, many are not aware of the other challenging and lucrative career options that comprise the 56 billion dollar beauty industry.

Entrepreneur - Business Owner

A sizeable number of employees (27 percent) leave beauty school each year with plans to open their own salon, work from their home, or rent a booth and become independent contractors. This suggests that the industry provides the option to start one's own business. (Source: NACCAS 2007 Job Demand Survey.)

Product Business - Marketing, Business Operations, Finance

Brook Carlson, vice president and general manager of RUSK Professional Hair Care, has had a distinguished career working for notable beauty companies such as L'Oreal, ARTEC and Zotos International. Carlson manages RUSK's product development, marketing, financial operations and strategic partnerships.

Sales and Distribution

A beauty distributor is one of the many jobs most people are not aware exists within the beauty industry. Lee Lawson is regional director of sales and development of Neill Corporation. Lawson is the connection between both large and small beauty companies and the many salons, spas and retail outlets that sell their products. His position allows him to be an educator, salesman, manager and strategic marketing specialist every day.

Educator

NeCole Cumberlander is a hairstylist, educator and business owner of The Ohio Academy. Says Cumberland, "When I began my career, I never dreamed that one day I could be both a hairstylist and a teacher. I love that I am able to help inspire and educate others so they may have a rewarding and successful future. There are so many wonderful careers in the professional beauty industry and I am honored to be a part of its continual growth."

Makeup Artist

Janell Geason of Minneapolis decided to pursue a career as a professional makeup artist in 2001 when she realized it would broaden her scope of services and increase her earning potential. Her efforts were well rewarded in 2008 when she was honored at the prestigious NAHA Awards Ceremony as Makeup Artist of the Year (North American Hairstyling Awards). "A career in beauty matched who I was as a person when I started my career and continues to keep me motivated and inspired on a daily basis, says Geason."

Politics

Sam Leyvas, Director of Government Affairs for the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) never imagined that his passion would be put to use helping salon owners, product manufacturers and beauty retailers understand how legislation affects their bottom line.

On a day-to-day basis, Leyvas interacts with association members across the country concerned with what a specific bill may mean for their business and he helps members of Congress and their staff understand the ramifications of pending legislative matters.

Note: Career backgrounds and quotes from Brook Carlson, Lee Lawson, NeCole Cumberlander, Janell Geason and Sam Leyvas are excerpted from "Directions Your Beauty Career Can Take You," Stylist and Salon Newspapers (Northwest edition), May 2009.

One reader's comments to the U.S. News & World Report confirms why Cosmetology was chosen again as a Top Career of 2009:

"I accidently stumbled into this industry, never even dreaming to start a new career. Twenty-five years later I am still a cosmetologist and I have never looked back. It's true, doors do open all around us in this field and they give us opportunities to be creative; to meet the most interesting people; to travel and to grow. My experience started when I had gone to beauty school. After, I worked in and managed 3 salons, then later taught for many years in the classroom. Another door opened for me to supervise and direct several schools which then gave me the opportunity to develop educational curriculums... and it all started when I took a chance. I've been in the cosmetology industry for 10 years and I love every minute."