What to Consider When Looking at Different Makeup Schools
As with any educational programs, there can be many variables in makeup schools. When defining what to consider when looking at different makeup schools, you may wish to evaluate location, accreditation, curriculum and student focus, facilities, instructors, real-life experience, financial aid, and job placement assistance.
LocationLocation has an influence on a student's ability to attend a makeup school; however, it may have an even greater affect on job opportunities.
Students who have budget constraints or are unable to relocate may decide attendance at a beauty school within a reasonable distance of home or work is the best option. Students who continue to work while attending night classes should factor in travel commute time to and from the school to determine if a particular beauty school is feasible. Successfully completing a makeup program requires sufficient time and energy to devote yourself to your classes.
Students with more latitude in where they reside should consider their ultimate career goal. While a wedding makeup artist may not be so reliant on location for clientele, a fashion makeup artist, on the other hand, needs to live in a major metropolitan area to build a sustainable client base.
AccreditationOnce a location has been chosen, the next most important element is accreditation. Accreditation means the curriculum has been assessed and approved by relevant agencies. These agencies may include the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, the Council for Occupational Education, and other agencies as acknowledged by the US Department of Education.
The benefits of accreditation are important. Federal and state grants and loans are only available to students who attend an accredited school. Accredited schools are bound by their accreditation to offer programs which meet or exceed specified standards. The school where a graduation diploma or certificate has been earned does matter. Employers often make hiring decisions based on which beauty school a prospective student attended. Those in the industry recognize the caliber of graduates from various beauty schools.
Curriculum and Student FocusIf you do not have a specific career focus prior to enrollment in beauty school, a general curriculum might be the best choice. The makeup industry has several facets and a curriculum that offers courses on each of the facets may be appropriate to provide you with a solid industry foundation.
Students with a particular specialization in mind, for instance runway makeup, will benefit from a curriculum in which the primary focus is on that specialization. Students will graduate with the requisite knowledge and tools to begin a career of their choice.
Regardless of whether you wish to pursue a general or specialized program, inquire how often the curriculum is updated. Makeup, like the fashion industry, constantly evolves and you want to ensure you receive instruction on the latest concepts and techniques.
FacilitiesThree facilities elements you should not compromise on are:
- Professional makeup supplies;
- Digital classroom technology; and
- Workstations.
Some beauty schools include makeup products in tuition fees, while others furnish students with a supplies list for purchase.
InstructorsNot all instructors carry the same qualifications. Beauty schools have individual policies regarding instruction credentials.
Reputable schools employ instructors with relevant industry experience of more than 5 years and, in many schools, a state-issued teaching license. Some schools may require instructors have pursued education.
Schools who employ instructors who are recent graduates from beauty school without industry experience should be approached with caution.
Real-Life ExperienceThere is no substitute for hands-on application of learning techniques with real-life models. For this reason, online programs are generally not recommended.
Financial Aid and Job Placement AssistanceStudents attending accredited schools may qualify for federal and state financial aid. Non-accredited schools may offer in-house financing. School in-house financing may have stringent terms and conditions and it is highly advised to thoroughly these research financial aid programs.
Job placement assistance varies from school to school and by region. Small schools may have a limited base on which to draw for job placement assistance. A school with a national job placement service is optimum, as is life-long assistance after a student graduates.
A detailed list of what to consider when looking at different makeup schools will help you with your final decision.
