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88 indie stylist Volume 2 Issue 3 Earn more cash. Continuing education often leads to earning more revenue, as well. On average, those who pursue education earn 30 percent more than those who never attend a continuing education session. This increase in income can come in the form of a raise or a higher starting salary at a new position. It can also come in your ability to sell additional new services if you're a sole proprietor. It's important to recognize that education often requires you to invest in yourself, but the return on investment is usually well worth it. Whether you will be offered a raise or promotion in your current job, will qualify for a new job that has a better salary, or add items to your menu of services, continuing education will be a major benefit for your income, with the potential to increase it by thousands of dollars a year. Expand your horizons. Sometimes in beauty, we want to shift what we are doing as artists. I know professionals who elected to specialize in hair color, so they pursue it. I have known others who started off as estheticians and ultimately specialized in lashes. I bring this up because if you're ready to move your career in a different direction (or to specialize in a specific area), often the first step is gaining an education that qualifies you for that new path. If transitioning or making changes to your offering are goals, learning new skills through education is key to being prepared. Many professions have strict requirements for licensure. Also, obtaining specialized continuing education will prepare you to move into a new career or new specialty. Expand your knowledge. Plenty of professions require updated, specific education. Without this knowledge, it's significantly more difficult to keep up with trends and understand what is going on in the industry. It's important to realize that beauty is one of the fastest changing industries on earth, and it's crucial to stay current. Expand your portfolio. Education is also a valuable element when it comes to your portfolio as an artist and professional. If you want to become an educator, platform artist, or member of an art team, it is often a requirement to have a certain amount of education. For my own art team, this is a key element. All of my educators must attend education sessions so they can evolve as artists and refine their craft. Just know, even if you meet the minimum qualifications for a position, additional education will make you stand out—not only because of your additional qualifications, but because employers will recognize that you have the determination to take on a challenge and succeed. Stay hungry. Even if you're completely satisfied with your career status and lifestyle currently, don't skimp on education. Some of the most well-respected beauty professionals in the industry agree that learning should be a lifelong process, and devoting time to education is a journey of both personal and professional development. We must be humble enough to learn more as the opportunity presents itself. Even if your pursuit of education is purely for personal reasons, you can take advantage of advanced learning on your path to becoming a better person. Now is the time to get started on a new journey that will change your life! Where to Find CE Classes So now that you're convinced continuing education is a positive path for you, what's your next step? • Check with your local supply house for classes in the area. • Search for online classes. My art team offers classes each month at ColoursByGina.com for those who are interested. • Ask others. You can talk to other salon professionals who may be aware of upcoming classes. And don't forget about beauty schools in the area. They are always terrific resources and are typically in the know about classes that may be coming up. JESS BAILEY/UNSPLASH