Before a certificate or license in cosmetology is awarded, most states require that students complete a set number of hours of formal training in their chosen field. The number of clock hours required may differ by state and may vary based on whether or not the student has applied for specialized training in a particular field of cosmetology such as coloring or skin care technology. Each student is responsible for setting her academic goals and ensuring that sufficient clock hours are met in order to obtain her cosmetology license.
While not mandatory in every state, many cosmetology students put forth a goal to create a style book or portfolio prior to graduation. A style book or portfolio is a showcase of the student's abilities in her field and includes photographs of the student's work. Style books may include photos of various cuts, colors and perms that the student has performed and typically includes letters of recommendations from her instructors which she has earned as a result of developing her skills.
Another goal that is commonly set by cosmetology students prior to graduation is the completion of a demonstration checklist. A demonstration checklist is a list that a cosmetology student prepares at the beginning of her education in the field and includes an array of topics in which she wishes to become proficient. As the student masters a particular skill such as skin care, make-up application or a particular style of cutting, she checks the area off her list of accomplishments.
Academic advisers encourage new students to write career plan when they enroll in cosmetology courses. Developing a written career plan allows the cosmetology student to designate specific career goals that she hopes to attain within a designated period of time after graduation. In addition to setting goals, the student is encouraged to address how she intends to accomplish her goals and how she intends to overcome any obstacles that may arise.