Is Job Placement Assistance Offered at a School for Makeup?

A major question in your decision to attend post-secondary education might be "Is job placement assistance offered at a school for makeup?" There is no straight across-the-board answer to this question; however, you can still compare makeup schools based on placement services they offer.

You should be aware, first of all, that accredited makeup schools are not permitted by the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Science to guarantee job placement. The schools may offer career services and placement assistance, but they cannot promise students a job position at the end of their program.

As well, due to the nature of the industry, there are no formal internship or apprenticeship programs. Makeup artists typically freelance on a contract by contract basis, and this renders it impossible to administer internships and apprenticeships.

As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variance of job placement assistance offered, depending on the school. Small local makeup schools often have limited contacts, whereas makeup schools in larger metropolitan areas tend to have an extensive network of connections and affiliations.

As a prospective student, there are standard job placement assistance questions you should ask makeup schools you are contemplating:

  • What type of job placement services is available?
  • Is the assistance local, state-wide, national or world-wide?
  • Is the school affiliated with cosmetics manufacturers, photography studios, theatres, or entertainment companies?
  • Does the school offer in-house internships? This question is particularly relevant if you plan to enter the film and entertainment field.

You may possibly discover:

  • The school offers no job placement or assistance services
  • The school only has contacts with local spas and salons
  • The school refers you for unpaid work only
  • The school receives incoming job postings (how many might depend on the school's reputation within the industry)
  • The school maintains a job board with postings
  • The school offers an email notification service of open job positions
  • The school employs a career counselor or administrator, who also actively seeks prospective employers in the community.

Along with job placement services enquiries, another significant enquiry is whether the school's curriculum includes business and career development studies. Makeup experts are more than creative artists, they are also businesses operators. These two elements go hand-in-hand to build a successful career.

Essential components to career, marketing and business studies include:

Course Course Materials
Portfolio development: Selection of samples; organization; presentation;
Resume development: Profile statement; functional skills; work content skills; self-management skills; personal characteristics; education; work history;
Cover letter development: Format; contact information; position applied for; credentials and qualifications that match position;
Employment search: Networking; volunteer work; identifying sources of employment (salons, spas, resorts, retail); methods of contacting prospective employers; print searches; online searches;
Marketing techniques: Developing a marketing plan; consultations; building a client base; business cards; pamphlets, referrals; client recommendations; show booths; website advertising;
Employment applications: Tips for completing applications; typical information requested on applications; references;
Employment interviews: How to research prospective employer and company; etiquette; typical employer questions; active listening; questions you should ask;
Professionalism: Proper etiquette while on assignment at retails stores, salons, photography sessions, theatrical productions, weddings, fashion shoots, etc.; consultations;
Budgeting: How to determine a budget; overhead costs; setting rates; packages;
Business forms: Contracts; invoices; taxes; permits; licensing.

Education is the first step on your career path as a makeup artist. The next crucial step is obtaining employment. For this reason, it is important to ask if job placement assistance is offered at a school for makeup.