This Course is All About Hard Work

This story is no longer valid.

When Jacqui or I take the interview presentation, there’s a slide that starts off with that phrase: “This course is all about hard work.”  If I am presenting, my eyes scan the room full of interviewees to see what their reactions are.  And believe you me, there are a variety of reactions.

I think, to be honest, with just under 20 years’ experience with teaching in one form or another, one usually finds those who take this statement too seriously are the ones who don’t need to worry about it, while the students who don’t take this statement too seriously… have no idea what they are in for.

When we get to the end of a course, we hear from the students that nothing could have prepared them for how much hard work would have to go into the amount of studying and case studies and routines in their time at the school.  And, once they have finally graduated and get out into the industry, the amount of pride in how hard they struggled to achieve something so wonderful finally comes to fruition.  These graduates spread the word to potential students about the hard work they are facing, as we do, but I don’t think words can truly prepare anyone for any level of work they may need to complete any course.

If you are considering attending one of our courses, please be prepared to put in hard work to achieve and succeed.  As Noel often says, you’ll find people around you who aren’t knowledgeable about the industry will say, “It’s just slapping on a bit of make-up”, or “You paint nails”, with the implied comment after, “How hard can it be?”  (At that point, you should take out your textbooks and plonk them down on a table.  Ask them how much of the information in those books they know… You usually will find if they have a good look through, they won’t be making those comments again, and will have a new-found respect for you and your course work!)

Their comments could drag you down, but as our Code of Ethics say, you should show pride in your abilities and your skills.  You learn everything from broad things such as massage (something that most people have some innate ability to at least perform to a basic level) to fiddly things (like nail polish application to a professional standard), so you should show pride in these, and learn them to the best of your abilities.

In short, nothing we can say will prepare you for the hard work you will face when you attend one of our courses.  But if you’re willing to put in the hard yards, you’ll get that repaid ten-fold when you graduate and get out into the industry.

As always, if you have concerns about the level of the course, or if you want any advice or assistance, please let us know, and one of us will be more than happy to assist you.

Scott Fack is the Director of Operations for The National School of Aesthetics, the South Island’s leading beauty therapy, nail technology and spa therapies training provider.