How do you help students choose the right salon to work in after graduating from nail school? At Chicago Nail School, we assign a salon visiting project.

Every student gets an assignment to visit an upscale salon or spa in the area they would like to work. They must bring back a menu from the salon, and then give a presentation to the class about their experience and their overall impression of the establishment. We have found that this assignment benefits the school, the students, and the salons.

For the school, the assignment provides the opportunity for publicity/introduction to various salons and spas because students are taught how to visit the establishment and give a presentation to the salon owner, manager, or receptionist before asking for a tour or a menu.

Students not only have an opportunity to practice presenting themselves professionally, but they are also being exposed to various salon environments and sometimes even get to meet the person or people who actually do the hiring. In some cases, the salons make offers to students to return and participate in internship programs; internships are often a good way for students to get a foot in the door for future employment.

Once the students return to school with their menu, they are asked to give a presentation. The menu is passed around the class, and prices for services are discussed and compared to other facilities that offer similar services, including discount salons. As a school, we know this assignment works well because the salons the students visit always call looking for students to hire. The salons and spas benefit if talented students return after graduation and apply for employment.

Check next week’s Nail School News for a handout you can use to help your students choose the right salon after graduation.

See you soon!

— Roy

Royan Williams has been a licensed nail technology educator, nail school operator, and continuing education instructor for over 20 years. His experience as a school operator has helped him understand the needs of nail technicians, especially those of new students breaking into the nail industry. See more at www.chicagonailschools.com. For free help and advice e-mail: Royan.williams@ att.net

For more information about your career in nails, check out these helpful links:

http://www.nailsmag.com/career-handbook

http://www.nailsmag.com/education/nail-school

For more information about prospective employment, log onto: http://www.nailsmag.com/article/96231/five-ways-to-impress-a-prospective-employer