A traditional approach to education
Building a career in the beauty industry, can lead to great success. Is this something you aspire to do?
Did you know that the average person spends 90 000 hours at work over a lifetime? That is a significant amount of time, particularly if you are unfortunate enough to choose the wrong career path. How many of us actually know what our future selves want us to be at the age of eighteen, and how many of us have pursued a career only to find ourselves very disappointed after a few years, realising that we made the wrong choice? Recent research from Totaljobs found that 89% of UK workers were looking for a new job in 2021. And they didn’t just look for a slight change in location or role – 45% of workers said they wanted to completely change sectors.
In the UK there has been significant uproar about the increasing costs of university fees, with many wondering whether it is truly worth it. University education is a form of structured higher or further education that leads to the award of an academic qualification. Traditionally this has been valued as a ‘safe’ and ‘valuable’ way to securing your future career.
With universities costing up to a whopping £9,250 per year for UK based students (not to mention how much this is for international students) and with the average university degree being a minimum of three years commitment, it comes as no surprise that we are carefully considering whether to continue with pursuing a university education. The average graduate debt – tuition compounded by maintenance costs and high rates of interest – stands at more than £50,000 for a three-year degree. After the maintenance grant was scrapped in 2016, many students have struggled to manage financially during term time.
What are the alternatives?
Over the past few years, there has been increasing interest in online learning. Not surprising considering eLearning programs can be completed faster than in-person courses, conveniently accessed online regardless of where you are based in the world, and can be cheaper than traditional university degrees, particularly in the UK and US. Even employers are recognising the validity of certificates from expert providers, as opposed to only favouring university degrees.
Online courses supplement education, whilst enabling you to gain new knowledge and expand your skillset – all from the comfort of your home. With a plethora of high-quality courses and apprenticeships on the market you no longer must go to university to pursue your dream career unless of course you are invested in becoming a dentist, doctor, engineer, or lawyer.
Becoming an entrepreneur
If you have a great idea, an entrepreneurial flare, and the determination to succeed, becoming an entrepreneur may be the answer for you. And you can set up your own business in so many different industries. There are numerous other means to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Many of us are resorting to apprenticeships, alongside studying through eLearning or distance learning so that you can earn whilst you learn. As an apprentice you can gain industry related experience whilst catapulting your career ahead of those in full-time education with your costs covered by your employer and the government.
Another sector that has experienced significant growth over the past two years has been the global beauty industry. According to Statista, this is valued at $395.7 billion in 2022, driven by an increasing demand for skincare, ‘at-home spa and salon’ products and haircare. Time spent at home, and without the ability to frequent spas and salons, has seen consumers investing in their beauty, health, and wellbeing and becoming far more aware of reducing stress levels, improving their quality of sleep, being mindful of their mental health and what makes them happy.
Come and join Beautytolife
To support the growth of innovative new indie beauty and wellness businesses, Bespoke Advantage has recently launched BeautytoLife®, a new beauty accelerator program. BeautytoLife® is an intensive introduction to transforming your ideas for a beauty and wellness brand, from ideation to products and brands. This is taught online and takes you from ‘concept to shelf.’
‘Absolutely fantastic course. Condensed learning from Janet, an expert in developing beauty brands. Also, valuable introductions to expert professionals, in the Masterclass sessions. In 12 weeks, you will learn from Janet, what would take years to learn by yourself. A very worthwhile investment’ Founding Member, Bridgette, Business and Personal Development Trainer and Beauty Entrepeneur
Working with Bespoke Advantage
Bespoke Advantage is a London based international beauty brand consultancy. We are a team of experts, associates and business partners specialising in supporting our clients – award-winning entrepreneurs, well established beauty and wellness businesses, retailers, investors, trade bodies and embassies – in developing and growing their brands across the beauty and wellness marketplace. If you are looking to launch a beauty or wellness brand or you are looking for support in expanding your brand across markets, GET IN TOUCH.
