Post High School Options: Is Trade School, a Gap Year, College, or Hair School for You?

Career Goals

Hello gorgeous! What are your career goals? Do you see an education or certification program in your future? As a mom, lifelong learner, career coach and mentor, school director, educator, and health esteem enthusiast, I have some guidance if you’re off-kilter with post-high school options.

Keywords might have prompted a landing to Ask the Pro Stylist, which has you wondering, “How did I reach a beauty blog?” Do not despair. I will discuss it all, including what to expect in cosmetology and trade schools, taking a gap year, making choices, and financial aid. Specifically, I will answer the question: Can I attend a trade school and college simultaneously?

Be 51% Sure

I cannot give a specific percentage of how many graduating high school students are sure of the road ahead because the studies vary widely (or at least what is available online). Trust me, any confidence in post-high school education wavers widely in my household. And that is OK. I believe there is too much pressure on teens to be 100% sure of their career goals by graduation. So I am recommending being 51% certain.

As a lifelong learner and currently in full-throttle health esteem awareness, I have made motivational podcast listening a weekly if not daily priority. My current favorites are Mel Robbins, Anthony Trucks, and Steven Bartlett. This is where I learned the “51% Rule”. I have attached the episode that teaches you about making choices. I cannot provide the post-high school education answer for you. But, I can offer the same inspiration that ignited my desire to leave a mentally and emotionally debilitating job and write another book. I highly recommend watching or listening to the entire podcast as you decide on your college or trade school path. Then, please feel free to email me your thoughts.

Can I Attend a Trade School and College Simultaneously?

The short answer is yes and no. The true answer depends on your school’s contract. Financial aid and tuition payments also play a large part in the dual school scenario. Some schools will not split the aid, therefore there will be out-of-pocket expenses.

Additionally, many trade schools have specific and required hours of attendance, and extra schooling could affect grades. My best advice is to be 100% upfront with both campuses to understand their requirements and contractual agreements before signing on the dotted line and being financially responsible for something you might not be able to complete.

Is Beauty School for You?

Is Beauty School for you? Finding the right cosmetology school takes more than a quick online search. The bigger the corporation, the better its marketing team. This means one beauty school will always pop up whether you search for hair, nails, or skin. So then, how do you find the best fit for your needs?

Ask the Pro Stylist has published her first book: The Future Professional’s Guide to Cosmetology: Is Beauty School for You? This guide can help you determine if Cosmetology School is in your future. Be aware the guide is not a replacement for a cosmetology textbook, nor will it teach you how to do hair, makeup, facials, or manicures. It enlightens the reader on what to expect in hair school and includes the following:

• Beauty Careers
  • You will find a list of over 30 careers available to explore in the beauty industry. It can be a lucrative and professionally rewarding vocation if you put in the hard work.

• Resources
  • The last chapter includes links to cosmetology resources in all 50 states. It is sorted alphabetically with websites to schools, licensing, and information about teaching cosmetology. Please be aware that links constantly change and not all the state websites have a list of schools. In those instances, other resources were provided.

Types of Schools

There are pros and cons of private technical schools and higher education that offer cosmetology, nursing, and other industry certifications. I recommend reading reviews on schools of preference and asking detailed questions of admissions agents such as how teachers are trained.

School Policies

It is important to understand all higher learning facilities have school policies. From dress codes to attendance, every student must sign off on school policies and a code of conduct during enrollment.

Taking a Gap Year

Shhh! Don’t tell your parents I say it is OK to take a gap year (as long as you have a plan and don’t spend all day/every day on the couch). Figure it out and make the best decision for you! I am an education advocate. But the fact remains, that formal education is not for everyone. Decide what you like and give it your all, regardless of your choice.

Happy Styling!

Do you want to work in the beauty field? Purchase my new book, The Future Professional’s Guide to Cosmetology: Is Beauty School for You? Hopefully, it will scratch your itch towards a beautiful career. If you have a question regarding cosmetology or beauty, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com Until then, happy styling!

©Deirdre Haggerty 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written permission and consent.

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