Job Showcase Brings together Cosmetology Students and Salon Owners

The Cosmetology Program at Milliken Tech recently held a Pre-Interview Job Showcase for graduating seniors. A total of 35 owners were present that day.

Cosmetology Teacher Michele Scala conceived the idea several years ago as a student-run event that helps to teach the importance of networking and following up in the workforce. Each student was required to generate at least three job leads. They researched salons and contacted them by phone to confirm details. All names were entered onto a master list and everyone on the list received an invitation to the showcase. Each student made follow-up calls to invitees and prepared a resume.

To highlight their skills at the event, the seniors styled the hair of the juniors. They had resumes on hand to share with salon representatives who walked around, watched them work, and asked questions. At the end of the day, many students scheduled interviews after graduation.

Said Scala, “This one event produced exponentially more possible job opportunities than a single person could have developed in the same amount of time. And the best part is, it was managed by our students.”

The Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, referred to as the Academy, is the Career and Technical Education Program of Eastern Suffolk BOCES and has locations in Bellport, Oakdale, and Riverhead. Milliken Tech is located on the Oakdale campus.