The day has finally come.  The caps are tossed, the tassels are turned and the diplomas are finally in hand. The world is full of possibilities.

Or is it?

When it comes to integrating into “The Real World,” high school graduates typically face a handful of options: Go to college, join the military, or join the workforce.

Going to work in an entry-level job right out of (or during) high school is certainly a good way to start gaining experience and earning income. But while those with diplomas or GEDs are more hire-able than those without, they just don’t have the options or earning potential of a candidate with post-secondary education or additional job training.

Joining the military is also a terrific opportunity for those with a strong desire to serve their country, and who are ready to take on the multi-year commitment as well as intense physical training. And while college is still regarded as a great way to broaden your mind and boost your earning potential, it is also a costly investment of time and money that often results in daunting amounts of student debt.

What about options in between? If you’re a recent high school graduate and you know you want additional training in a reliable, growing industry , but aren’t quite ready to commit to the high cost and multi-year commitment of a college or university, there are several reasons why you should take a close look at cosmetology training.

New findings from AnythingResearch (an independent market research firm that regularly analyzes hundreds of industries and job fields) reveal some insights and trends in the cosmetology/beauty industry that should turn some heads – namely those with graduation caps on them.

AnythingResearch describes the beauty salon industry as “fast growing and prolific,” and emphasizes the unique potential of individuals to achieve success and build a client base through services, while also earning additional income and knowledge through the sale and representation of ancillary “expanded products.” (This is why you need to know about the latest Keratin smoothing treatment or miracle styling product, and how they work.)

“The industry is now even one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S.,” reads AnythingResearch’s report, published earlier this year.

“Barriers to entry to the industry are minimal” – meaning more and more people are able to open their own salons – “creating intense competition for the consumer spending dollars available.”

The good news for those looking into cosmetology training?  “The main draw for beauty salons is the stylists they employ,” states the report.  “To grow, salons must develop talent but also diversify revenue streams by adding product sales and offering aligned services such as makeup application and hair removal.”

The takeaway: Cosmetology graduates entering the beauty industry must be ready to compete. They must be cross-trained in a variety of services and techniques. And they must have salesmanship skills.

Cameo Beauty Academy is ready to meet all of these needs and more. With flexible, part-time scheduling options and competitive tuition pricing, Cameo may be the post-graduation choice you didn’t even know you had.

For quick, to-the-point answers to questions like “How much will my cosmetology education cost?” and “How long will it take?” please see our “FAQ” blog post.

For a look into the lives of successful, professional cosmetologists who graduated from Cameo, check out our one-on-one interviews (also on the blog), or read some of our testimonials at cameobeautyacademy.com

Of course, you can always reach out to our staff through Facebook and Twitter, or give us a call at (708) 636-4660.