MENU
SEARCHEvery year, MODERN SALON Media pays tribute to great work being done by leading cosmetology schools via its Excellence in Education recognition program. Hundreds of applications are submitted by individual and multi-unit schools ...
Every year, MODERN SALON Media pays tribute to great work being done by leading cosmetology schools via its Excellence in Education recognition program. Hundreds of applications are submitted by individual and multi-unit schools across the country, and for 2015, 38 schools were named honorees in eight categories ranging from Community Service to Placement to Technology.
MODERN SALON Media Vice President/Group Publisher Steve Reiss announced the2015 Excellence in Education top honorees on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at the AACS Annual Convention & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.
Excellence in Education was created in conjunction with a partnership between Modern Salon Media and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS); the program helps the school community collect and share examples of great work being done across the country.
Two top honorees—one individual school location, and a multi-location school organization—were recognized in each of the eight categories.
In the Placement category, we turn an eye at how schools prepare their students for the next step: a career. Schools are standing by their students every step of the way when it comes to placing them in the perfect position after graduation.
The top Facilities honorees this year are Bella Capelli Academy in Pittsburgh, PA, for individual locations; and Evergreen Beauty College in Everett, WA, for multi-unit schools. However, all of the 2015 honorees had inspiring ideas to share.
During their time at school, students will be prepped on how to interview professionally with professional development classes that cover everything from resume-writing to how to dress. With their interviewing skills perfected, a polished resume and great skill set, students are then introduced to prospective employers at interactive career fairs that feature Q&A sessions, an opportunity for students to showcase their own work and powerful guest speakers.
Salon tours, internship and externship opportunities, social media campaigns, and special events also give students opportunities to network and connect. And if they still haven’t found a job by graduation, grads can simply talk to the admissions director, who will guide them to the perfect position.
Here are a few ways the Placement top honorees are securing their students' futures:
(Pictured below: A student from Bella Capelli Academy in Pittsburgh, PA.)
Exit interviews at Crave Beauty Academy, Ballwin, MO: The Academy director meets with every student and an exit interview is performed. If student doesn’t have a position yet, the entire Crave team is notified, and they work to find a position.
Staying in touch at State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WI: The admissions director actively stops into salons to let them know what’s happening at SCBC, and the school also keeps in touch with graduates via Facebook.
Job board at Aveda Institute Nashville, Franklin, TN: An up-to-date job board is in the break room, and an alumni page on Facebook offers opportunities for more experience individuals.
Lunch-and-learns and salon visits at Bella Capelli Academy, Pittsburgh, PA: Professionals come in to speak to students about opportunities available to them. Students also have the opportunity to visit local salons and make connections.
Career preparation classes at Crave Beauty Academy, Wichita, KS: Include mock interviews, resume critique, externship opportunities, job postings and online curriculum with Nuts & Bolts.
Professional classes and seminar at Paul Mitchell the School Esani, Roswell, GA: Professional development classes are built into curriculum, and a career-planning seminar called Invitation to Your Future offers practical knowledge and tips.
Placement advisor at Cameo College of Essential Beauty, Murray, UT: Reaches out to soon-to-be-graduating students to find out what they are looking for in their career, then they target area salons and reach out on their behalf.
Extra help at Aveda Institute of Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL: Students receive resume writing assistance, help portfolio building, and in-house education from area owners.
A student gift from Evergreen Beauty College in Everett, WA.
Northwest Salon and Spa Industry Exchange at Evergreen Beauty College, Everett, WA: The school hosted the first ever exchanges this spring with more than 40 salons and spas in attendance to discuss the industry, and changes for employment in the industry. Students met these industry leaders for networking opportunities afterwards. The school also helped Nuts&Bolts Business Training launch NabLink, an online placement program.
Professional development at Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT: This program has activities for students to explore career options and market themselves.
Social media at Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH: The Institutes use social media platforms to keep in touch with alumni and created a proprietary system called Studenttrakr to locate lost graduates. The result—placing more than 78 percent of graduates for 2013 and tracking to exceed that in 2014 by more than 10 percent.
Beautycareer.com at Empire Education Group, Pottsville, PA: This multi-functional website allows Empire students and alumni to create resumes and portfolios, connect with local employers and search/apply for jobs. The site is mobile-friendly.
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
