Beauty, Cosmetology and Trade Schools in NJ may be the answer to 2015 grads motivation for career choice:

Beauty and Trade Schools may be the answer to 2015 grads motivation for career choice:According to: 

http://www.askmen.com/career_guide/preparing_for_a_career/best-trade-jobs.html?utm_source=SimpleDollar&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=CareerGuide

For several years now, a debate has been brewing about whether or not the value of higher education is the same as it used to be.

In the author's experience....." during a 2010 career transition, I opted to get my MBA — a decision that would have cost me upwards of $100,000 had I not busted my hump working for a professor in exchange for a hefty tuition discount. Looking back, I would say that my MBA is essentially worthless - every career advancement since has come from networking, the school of hard knocks, and on-the-job training. Not once have I been considered for a job or promotion because I have MBA next to my name.

For the graduating class of 2015, shockingly high levels of student debt and high underemployment among recent college grads are changing the return on investment calculation of a four-year degree - downward. Many young people are turning to two-year trade school programs, which can offer good (or even better) career development paths at a lower price."

According to myfuture.com, the cosmetology industry expects to grow 13% between 2012- 2022 (about as much as other careers that are growing).  It will be a long time before stylists are replaced by an 'app' so, students who qualify for grants to attend a Cosmetology school such as Roman Academy can begin a journey to a creative and lucrative career.  (http://www.myfuture.com/careers/growth/hairdressers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists_39-5012.00)

Interesting note: According to thesimpledollar.com (http://www.thesimpledollar.com/why-you-should-consider-trade-school-instead-of-college/)

The unemployment rates of (8.5%) and underemployment rates (16.8%) for college grads are nearly double what they were in 2007.

Considering the less than stellar employment outlook, additional student loans costs, housing and meal plans for today's college student-it is a very WISE decision to consider attending a TRADE SCHOOL where a student can begin earning money within months with the continued opportunity for growth over the course of their career.


Learn more at our Open House on Weds. Aug. 5 from 1-7pm.  RSVP: 973-423-2223

New classes start the first Monday of every month.  Ask about scholarships for you and your 2015 classmates.

Successfully Training Students for Cosmetology and Skin Care Careers in NJ since 1962

15 Steps to Becoming a Successful Stylist

15 Steps to Becoming a Successful Stylist

1. Create an online portfolio of your work.  Not just work you like….display a variety of styles so that your talent really shines.
2. Create a business card with your name and the address of your portfolio along with your phone number.  Drop it with every salon owner whose salon you would like to work.  Offer to work a day or two for free to demonstrate your professional personality, style and talent.
3. Develop your ‘serving’ nature.  As a new stylist-offer to assist everyone-clients and workers as well.
4. When you get the opportunity to meet a client, act like a professional: LISTEN and deliver what the client asks for and then you ASK for their future follow up appointments by educating your clients ‘how-to’ keep their great style in shape.
5. If your salon offers classes-attend them all-even if you think you know everything they expect to cover.  If you know everything-you can help others learn.  If you learn even just one thing-you can share that with your clients.
6. Make yourself available to work all the hours that are available.  If the salon is open 7 days-work 6-7 days for at least the first year to allow clients to get used to seeing you.  Hang coats, pour coffee, sweep the floor-do whatever it takes to keep you in the eye of the client.  Keep a printed copy of your portfolio available for anyone to look through when choosing a hairstyle.
7. Make your shampoo and finishing count.  These, along with instructions for at home care are the keys to getting a client to return.
8. Remember your client is coming to see you for a service and some socializing.  Keep your conversation professional and friendly.  Do Not share your problems and Do Not give advice other than how to care for their hair.  You can offer condolences and understanding, but, that’s all.  Leave the advice to the professionals.
9. It’s fun to be creative but, unless your client likes a different look every time they see you, make sure you use techniques that allow you to duplicate your work.  Too creative and you run the risk of not being able to deliver when they say “I’d like it the same as last time”
10. Find classes that improve your work and share your experience with your clients.  Everyone likes someone who keeps improving.
11. Pay Attention! Your clients will tell you stories and share personal information.  In addition to being discreet and not repeating any of your conversation, REMEMBER what you talk about so you can ask for an update on the next visit.  (“So, Mrs. Jones, how did your dog do at his training session?”)
12. Try to minimize mistakes by asking questions-your consultation time is time well spent. Never skimp on this step.  Don’t rely on the last visit record.  Find out what worked, what could be better and confirm that the details are correct.  Occasionally the prior record could be written incorrectly.
13. Keep a positive attitude.  Enjoy the good times and use your mistakes as a learning experience.  You can always find something to take away from a mistake.
14. DO NOT Work for only money.  Work for the reward of a job well done, the sense of accomplishment and for the love of your profession.  The money will follow.
15. Keep asking questions, respect the new stylists and treat them how you wish you were treated when you were new.  You will command well deserved respect and success because you will have earned it.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Cosmetology!

As you begin your journey, it is so important to fully grasp the endless possibilities you have in this career. Many students go on to be fabulous hair stylists, make up artists, colorists, managers, owners, and so much more. 

I would like to touch on a few things that I have had the pleasure of doing and the amazing experience and knowledge you gain from each of them.

Being a colorist and working for a color company is quite possibly the most rewarding experience in the world of Cosmetology. Making a client feel good about themselves is such a great feeling.  As well as being able to look at a client as a blank canvas and having endless possibilities allows your creativity run wild!

Other then being able to make people feel amazing, which is the best thing you can ever do, you can also make a great living. 

Some cosmetologists consider becoming a color educator, which allows you to travel and explore even more possibilities. I thrive to educate my students as much as I possibly can on everything there is to know, but I am very open for my students to become a colorist. I know first hand how incredible it really is!

           Salon managers are another facet of the industry and I believe the heart and soul of any salon out there. Being a salon manager is a lot of work but at the end of the day, seeing numerous clients walking out with a smile on their face makes it all worth it! 

         A salon manager basically oversees everything in the salon. They are usually responsible for everything from payroll to handling clients. Being a manager means you have to be a team player and lead by example. It is vital that you have exemplary communication skills and the ability to command your audience. Again, salon manager is often a way to make an excellent salary, which is always a plus.

          As you can see I have only touched on 2 out of the never-ending possibilities as a Cosmologist. I hope this allows you to see that nothing is ever impossible and you have so many options once you obtain your license. 

         What is your career path? What are your goals and dreams? I hope to one day see all of you being the BEST that you can be!

-Dana Nucifora

Educator at Roman Academy

Cosmetology is More than Just a Job--It's a Career!

Roman Academy has some of the most amazing students that I have ever seen! My name is Ms. Dana and I have had the pleasure of working at Roman Academy for the past 5 months.

Teaching students that have a desire and passion to learn makes my job so fulfilling.

Starting a career in Cosmetology is such a continual learning experience and it is forever rewarding. Having a client tell you how great they feel is the best thing you will ever hear. Cosmetology is a career; I would never call it just a job because it is really something you can do for the rest of your life.

There are so many options as a Cosmetologist. You can be a makeup artist, salon owner, manager, educator, and so so so much more!

Each year you learn more and more and the education is endless. Seeing the passion and dedication my students have motivates me. There is no other career that you can do what you absolutely love, make others feel so much better about themselves and therefore, make a difference in the world.

Teaching at Roman Academy is the best decision I have made in a long time. I hope that everyone that reads this blog signs up and starts their amazing journey to never ending success!

- Dana Nucifora

  Cosmetology Education at Roman Academy

See Our Video

Questions to Ask About a Career or Job

 in Cosmetology or Skincare

Throughout our lives we are faced with choices regarding our careers.  Consider the answers to these questions to determine how you might enjoy working in the beauty field.

1. Is a career in beauty for you?  Are you a candidate for the beauty industry?
2. Are you creative?  
3. Do you like to work with people?  
4. Enjoy meeting new people every day?
5. Do you like the 8-5 workday or prefer the variety of a flexible schedule?
6. Do you like to work in a stationary position (i.e. sitting at a desk) or prefer to keep active?
7. Are you interested in a career that you can begin working in within months rather than years?
8. For those bound for college: are you looking for a creative way to pay for your education?
9. Are you inspired by colors and shapes?
10. Would you like to consider someday owning your own business?
11. Who do you know that is excited to go to work?  Ask them what they enjoy about their career/job
12. Who do you know that is NOT excited to go to work? Ask them what they dislike about their career/job

If you answered yes to questions 1-10 - You are ready to consider a career in Cosmetology or Skin Care.