How Beauty Students can Get Summer Salon Internships

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and techniques emerging all the time. As a beauty student, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and gain real-world experience to enhance your skills and prepare for a career in the industry. In some cosmetology schools, internships are a vital requirement that all students have to fulfill in order to graduate. One of the best ways to gain this experience is through a summer salon internship.

A summer internship can provide you with the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, learn new techniques, and build valuable connections in the industry. However, landing a summer salon internship can be competitive, and requires a proactive approach and careful preparation. In this blog, we’ll provide you with tips and strategies to help you secure a summer salon internship as a beauty student.

How To Get Summer Salon Internships

If you’re a beauty student looking to land a summer salon internship, here are some tips to help you get started.

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES EARLY

The first step in finding a summer salon internship is to research salons in your area. Look for salons that align with your interests and career goals. For example, if you’re interested in makeup artistry, research salons that specialize in makeup application. If you’re interested in hair styling, research salons that offer a variety of hair services. Once you have a list of potential salons, research their internship programs and application processes.

REACH OUT TO SALONS DIRECTLY

Once you have a list of potential salons, reach out to them directly to inquire about internship opportunities. You can do this by calling or emailing the salon and asking to speak with the manager or internship coordinator. Introduce yourself, explain your interest in the salon, and ask if they have any internship opportunities available. Be prepared to provide your resume and portfolio, if applicable.

In the beauty care industry, there are more internship opportunities in the summer than in the winter. In order to ensure that they have enough interns in the summer, some salon owners start advertising for internship positions as early as November. In view of this, you should consider contacting the beauty salons you’re interested in as soon as possible. 

NETWORKING

Networking is key in the beauty industry, and building relationships with industry professionals can help you land a summer salon internship. One of the best methods of identifying numerous internship opportunities before the summer break is by asking your friends, family members, and college instructors to be on the lookout for such opportunities and keep you informed if they come across such opportunities. 

Attend beauty industry events, such as trade shows and conferences, and connect with professionals in your field. You can also reach out to alumni from your beauty school who are working in the industry and ask for their advice and guidance.

UTILIZE JOB SEARCH SITES

There are several job search websites that specialize in beauty and salon internships. Websites such as Indeed and Glassdoor allow you to search for internships by location and keyword. Create a profile on these websites and upload your resume and portfolio to increase your visibility to potential employers.

However, after identifying such ads, you may still need to visit the salons physically in order to confirm if various internship opportunities match your career interests. At Avalon Cosmetology School, we have an internship resources department that provides students with information on available internship opportunities as well as providing tips on identifying suitable internship opportunities.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER

When applying for a summer salon internship, it’s important to customize your resume and cover letter to the specific salon you’re applying to. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain why you’re interested in the salon and their internship program. Use industry-specific language and demonstrate your knowledge of the salon’s services and products.

PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

If you’re selected for an interview, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Research the salon and their services, and prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume and portfolio to leave with the interviewer. During the interview, be confident and demonstrate your passion for the beauty industry.

LET US HELP YOU!

Finding an appropriate summer internship can be a grueling task. However, the benefits that such an internship can offer in terms of your future career are vast. With hard work and dedication, you can secure a summer salon internship that will help you achieve your career goals and succeed in the exciting and ever-changing beauty industry. 

At Avalon School of Cosmetology, we run a beauty salon that helps our students gain valuable experience. If you would like to volunteer as a summer salon intern in the beauty salon, we may be able to make that happen. Contact us today!