It’s never too late to go back to school! In fact, higher education of any sort isn’t just for the young. It’s for the young at heart, as well. Adults decide to make career changes all the time, and cosmetology is one career many people consider. While it may be stressful to think about heading back to school, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some useful tips for you as an adult considering cosmetology school.
You Aren’t Alone
It can feel intimidating to think you could be the only older adult among a sea of young adults. Chances are, you won’t be. Aside from the teachers, there will be other women or men who have decided to chase after their dreams of working in the beauty industry.
Give yourself an adjustment period. It may have been years since the last time you set foot inside a classroom of any type. It could take a few days or even weeks to get back into the swing of things, and that’s okay. Go easy on yourself, and keep your goals in sight.
Things To Do Before Starting
You’ll need to have all your proverbial ducks in a row before you head back to school. Once you’ve found the perfect cosmetology school, you’ll have to get all your paperwork together. You’ll need your enrollment application, whatever transcripts the school asks you to send it, a copy of your ID, and some schools request a letter of intent, which is similar to a college application essay. Check with your school admissions counselor for a complete list of necessary items that you will be need before your first day of class.
Times Have Changed
Perhaps it’s been 10 or more years since you’ve gone to school: Don’t expect to be loaded up with heavy books like in the past. Everything you need, aside from your toolkit, will most likely be in the form of an e-book, especially at the bigger schools. You’ll probably need a tablet or laptop to do some of your coursework. Some schools even provide the technology for you, making electronic materials even more convenient!
Also, keep in mind that your lifestyle is likely way different now than it was when you graduated high school. You may have household responsibilities and a family to care for. Perhaps you also have a job you’ll be keeping while working toward your new career. Set attainable goals for yourself—and stick to them—even if that means you have to go to school part time. Do things at a pace that makes sense for your life, so you don’t get frustrated or overwhelmed and give up.
Loans Aren’t Just For Kids
Just because you aren’t 18 doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for financial aid. There are many different ways to get the money you need to make cosmetology school affordable. A career or financial aid counselor should be available at your school to answer your questions and help you get scholarships, grants, or loans.
Don’t Be Afraid To Raise Your Hand
Whether it’s words of support from your family or coursework guidance from your teacher, if you need help, you should never be worried about asking for it! Adults going back to school are proven to be determined, driven, and successful learners. You may have a better focus on the end result now, compared to your younger years. Still, that doesn’t mean you don’t need the same amount of support as you did then.
You’ve Got This
Going back to school is never as easy as you wish it would be. However, it’s the first step toward your dream job in the beauty industry, and that makes it all worth the effort! Find your school now.
