U.S. News & World Report Adds Cosmetology to List of Best Careers of 2009
Cosmetology has once again earned a spot on U.S. News and World Report's list of Top Careers of 2009, scoring high in anticipated employment outlook and levels of job satisfaction. Last year, the magazine began including careers that do not require a college degree, and Cosmetology appeared on the list for the first time.
The magazine noted in 2008 that the United States job scene has been evolving for some time. Job seekers with bachelor's degrees have had difficulty finding employment, as companies continue to outsource more business and technical jobs. All high school students are pressured to go to college and earn a bachelor's degree, therefore the number of workers in the professional services who offer "arts and crafts" has been on the decline. Careers have become increasingly scarce for bachelor's degree holders, as companies continue to outsource both business and technical jobs offshore. Finally, because the majority of high school students are pressured into going to college and earning a degree, thus decreasing the labor pool of service workers in technical/craft disciplines.
The beauty industry has incredible optimism. A reader's comment on the appearance of Cosmetology on Best Careers in 2009 can be found below.
"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 career every morning."
Many people are not aware that the $56 billion beauty industry offers many exciting and profitable career options. Hairstyling is the first career that comes to mind for many, but career options within the beauty industry are varied.
Entrepreneur-Business Proprietor
Quite a few workers (27%) graduate from beauty school every year with plans to start their own salon, operate out of their house, or rent a booth and become independent contractors. This fact implies that the field gives people the chance to open their own business. (Source: NACCAS 2007 Job Demand Survey.)
Product Business - Marketing, Business Operations, Finance
Brook Carlson is the vice president and general manager of RUSK Professional Hair Care; he has had previous experience with well-known beauty manufacturers like L'Oreal, ARTEC, and Zotos International. Rusk's product development, marketing, financial operations and business partnerships are all the responsibility of Carlson.
Sales and Distribution
A distributor of beauty products is just one example of a variety of jobs available in the beauty field.Lee Lawson, Regional Director of Sales and Development, is the liaison between the numerous companies that make beauty products and the retail establishments, spas and salons that sell them. Everyday he is a little bit of a teacher, salesman, manager, and marketing guru.
Instructor
NeCole Cumberlander is a teacher, hairstylist, and The Ohio Academy owner. Cumberland stated, "When I started in this field, I didn't think I would become both a hairstylist and an educator. I am so happy to teach others and inspire them to be successful and have a rewarding future. There are numerous great careers in the professional beauty business and I am flattered to be a part of its continuous growth.”
Makeup Artist
Janell Geason of Minneapolis chose to follow a career as a professional makeup artist in 2001 when she recognized that it would widen her scope of services and raise her earning possibilities. In 2008, she and her efforts were well rewarded at the NAHA Awards Ceremony, where she was named Makeup Artist of the Year (North American Hairstyling Awards). Says Geason, "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."
Politics
Sam Leyvas, the Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) Director of Government Affairs, turned his passion into a career. He works with salon owners, beauty product manufacturers and retailers to determine what impact current legislation will have on their businesses. Leyvas is in contact on a daily basis with association members nationwide answering their concerns regarding particular bills and their possible implications for their business. He also helps Congressional members and their staffs understand the ramifications of pending legislation.
Note: Career backgrounds and quotes from Brook Carlson, Lee Lawson, NeCole Cumberlander, Janell Geason and Sam Leyvas were taken from "Directions Your Beauty Career Can Take You," Stylist and Salon Newspapers (Northwest edition), May 2009.
One reader of the U.S. News & World Report Top Careers of 2009 affirms why cosmetology has earned its place on the list: "I accidentally 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 after I had gone to beauty school. First I worked in and managed three 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 curricula... and it all started when I took a chance. I've been in the cosmetology industry for 10 years and I love every minute."