Getting into the business of beauty

Thanks to the rise of Instagram and other social media influencing platforms, it’s now possible for hairdressers, beauticians and wellness ‘‘gurus’’ to gain millions of followers. The hair styles and makeup techniques they showcase online on Sunday will be requested in suburban salons across the nation on Monday, and that means industry professionals need to keep up, fast.

Skye Dixon from the Masters Institute of Creative Education, a training centre that offers comprehensive, industry-relevant education across fashion, hair, beauty and makeup disciplines, says government-accredited diplomas, certificates and degrees simply cannot incorporate the new techniques quickly enough.
Instead, aspiring therapists and business owners are seeking short courses from independent trainers in order to upskill and respond to consumer demand.

‘‘Innovation and globalisation are challenging traditional modes of creative education,’’ she says. ‘‘Previously a Diploma in Beauty Therapy was enough to get a job in the industry and eventually start your own business. But no longer is that the case.’’

The Masters Institute offers practical, real-world training in the creative industries. In fact, educators at the institute all work professionally in their industries of expertise. They are referred to as ‘‘pracademics’’.

Dixon says monthly panel discussions from leaders in the creative industries allow students to get an insider’s perspective on the industry. They also play host to external lectures and events, bringing the industry into the school and exposing students to networking opportunities at the same time.

With classes scheduled across a Monday to Wednesday timetable, students have Thursday, Friday and the weekend for part-time work and internships. In addition to degree courses and diplomas, a range of short courses are available for those who are interested in upskilling.

With a focus on securing industry jobs for all graduates, students are encouraged to work with the in-house recruitment agency to ensure they are career-ready. The agency links all students with employment opportunities, while coaching them on interview skills such as video interviewing proficiency with technology and personal presentation.

Dixon says that while degrees such as MBAs are king, more and more it is common to see short courses, workshops and even upskilling via lecture series pop up on the CVs of Australia’s top executives.

‘‘There is so much noise about the need to be dynamic to rise to the top of the pack,’’ she says. ‘‘Taking part in short courses can demonstrate to prospective employees your commitment to success.

‘‘No longer are unaccredited courses the poor cousins of education, but increasingly seen as the sign of an engaged digital citizen and of someone who is keen to succeed.’’