Making people look their best is a passion for many people, and if you have a good eye for style and beauty, you can find a stable career in the field of cosmetology. California may be considered the ideal state for ambitious cosmetologists as it is home to many top dollar clients like Hollywood actresses and other celebrities. However for the same reason, the state has strict regulations on the cosmetology industry to ensure that the proper skills are learned and that sanitary and safety measures are followed.

The career title of cosmetologist can mean different things to different people, but because of oversight by the Department of Consumer Affairs – Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in California, the title does have as specific definition. A cosmetologist is allowed to prep, style, cut and color hair on the body including eyelashes. Cosmetologists are also allowed to give facials, do waxing or tweezing, and give manicures and pedicures, and apply makeup or false eyelashes.

On the other hand, an esthetician for example, is limited to providing less services but can apply makeup and false eyelashes.

Cosmetology Training at Trade Schools

Cosmetology programs must be approved by the state in order for the class time to count for your license. The programs will teach students about hair styling, hair cutting, chemical treatments, weaving, straightening and coloring hair, as well as skin care and make-up techniques. You will also learn about hygiene and sanitation techniques.  The programs consist of 1,600 hours, which is a number mandated by the state.

Most cosmetology schools will have you practicing on real people who come in for discounted services to allow students to perfect their skills, although you may have to pass a round of exams before you are allowed to practice on real clients.

At the L.A. Trade Technical College, each unit is priced at $26, and you are scheduled to take 12 units per semester, meaning each semester, tuition will be about $312. Other costs include equipment priced at about $600, in addition to $658 for textbooks. The program requires 48 units for the certificate program, or two years. The Associate program requires 48 units in cosmetology as well, but adds 18 units in general education.

Other schools, like at the Paul Mitchell school, textbooks and a kit with equipment is included in a total tuition price that varies from campus to campus.

View a list of cosmetology schools in California.

Cosmetology Apprenticeships

As an alternative to a cosmetology school, you might consider an cosmetology apprenticeship.  To qualify, you must be 16 years old and have completed 10^th grade or equivalent. Apprenticeship committees provide classroom instruction and help you navigate the apprenticeship process, but you must find a salon to work in yourself.

The program is typically a full-time 2-year program, but can be completed in 19 months by working more hours per week. The state provides a list of approved program sponsors, that you must contact if you are interested in getting an internship. The program sponsor can help you through the process, and may be able to give you contact information so you can find a trainer at a salon.

After you are set up for the apprenticeship, you will be required to attend a 39 hour training session prior to starting work. For the apprenticeship, you must complete 3,200 hours in a salon, and 220 supplemental hours in the classroom. All work completed for the apprenticeship must be done with the trainer present.

Getting your Cosmetology License

At the end of the trade program or apprenticeship program, you must take a state exam to get your license. The exam consists of a written and a practical part. The written consists of 100 multiple choice questions that you must complete in two hours. The practical exam tests you for basic skills, with a focus on proper disinfection and sanitary techniques, or proper consumer safety protocol.

Depending on which type license you are pursuing (Cosmetologist, Barber, Electrologist, Esthetician, or Manicurist), the license and examination will cost between $110 and $125 (as of October 2010).  The license must be renewed every two years, by taking the exam again.  You can learn more about the exam at the California Department of Consumer Affairs – Board of Barbering and Cosmetology website.

View a list of cosmetology schools in California.

An interview with Ali Llamas, a phlebotomy graduate from Empire College in Santa Rosa, CA.

Q:  What program exactly did you complete at Empire College?

Phlebotomy certificate.  I finished my program in Dec [2010]. I did my externship the week before Christmas.

Q:  How long was the program?

11 weeks, but mine lasted a little longer because I did it around the holidays.

Q:  Did you go to school on a full-time or part-time basis?

The Phlebotomy program is from 4:30 to 6 Monday through Thursday.

Q:  Were you happy with the training that you received?

Absolutely.

Q:  What was the most difficult part of the program for you?

Well it’s school, it’s challenging, especially with people who work full time. I was lucky enough not to have to work full time. Also, I had taken a medical assisting program that helped me out a lot having taken it first. It helps with already knowing circulation and flow of the blood, and the heart.

Q:  About how many other students were in your classes?

About 14 students in the Phlebotomy program, medical assisting was much larger.

Q:  What is your current career?

Medical Assisting.

Q:  Describe a typical day in your current career?

Just helping people. I do some surgical assisting, and front office work. That is setting appointments, I give injections, set up EKGs.

Q:  How did your training help you get into this career?

I did the medical assistant program first, and I did get my job through Empire College actually, they have job placement help. As a medical assistant, blood drawing is the most invasive thing you can do, but you don’t always have to do it. The medical assistant program gives you 5 weeks of introduction to phlebotomy and they do a good job, but it’s not enough to get you to sit for the tests nationally or the state exam if you want to be a phlebotomist. So as a medical assistant your job might require you to draw blood so 5 weeks, that’s good enough for the doctor who hires you.

Q:  How would things be different for you if you hadn’t received this training?

Not in my current job, they wouldn’t, but it is helpful.  It just looks good on the resume, as a medical assistant you have that intro, 5 weeks, but it is drawing blood. To get even more training to draw, the phlebotomy program is even much more helpful. I like having the extra practice, if that includes drawing blood, I’m super skilled in that now. Also, the externship at Kaiser helped me realize I don’t want to draw blood 8 hours a day, every day. I do think every school has to offer an externship with the program.

Q:  What was the most important class/lesson from the program?

The hands on skills of the actual blood drawing.

Q:  How much did it cost for you to complete the program?

A little over $2,000.

Q:  Did you receive any financial aid or scholarships?  Which ones?  Were these easy to obtain?

I didn’t need it.

Q:  Were any of your classes online?

No.

Q:  Did you consider other programs?

I looked at the St. Rosa Community College, but they were fully enrolled at the time.

Q:  Why did you choose the one you did?

Empire’s a great school, and I was already familiar with one of the teachers. She’s a highly skilled phlebotomist, she’s extremely encouraging. I mean, it’s drawing blood.   It’s not easy and it can be really intimidating, so she’s there to help you get your nerves together. I just really like the professionalism and everything. Even though they are more expensive I was already familiar with the school.

Q:  What other programs did you consider?  Why did you choose the one that you did?

I had an opportunity to go to school up to a year so the medical assistant program was six months so I decided to take advantage of the rest of the time I had. I knew the phlebotomy program would give me another certificate so possibly I could get more jobs and also just have that extra practice. You’re more skilled.

Q:  Would you recommend this school to someone else?

Absolutely. They’re very professional especially for someone who’s younger and doesn’t have a lot of job experience they make sure you really take it seriously. It’s extremely fast-paced you have to be on top of things. They have tutors that they provide, and they do help you with financial aid if you need it. The people at the front desk, teachers and even the president – they all want to see you succeed. In the end the student has to put the work in, but they are very dedicated to their students.

Q:  For your particular program, are there any special licenses or certifications that you need to receive before getting a job?  If so, what are they and what do they entail, and will you get them by the time you graduate?

Under the medical assistant certificate you are allowed to draw blood but it won’t allow you to be a phlebotomist. If you want to be just a phlebotomist, you have to take the program, then you become certified with the school which allows you to sit on a national exam it’s a long process, but they do give you all the information. You do have to do it yourself.

They have a prometric testing center on the school campus so for their certificate programs, you can take your national or state exams at that school. For medical assisting you need to take a state exam, and you don’t necessarily need that school certificate, you can do it through work experience then you can take the state exam, but you’re more likely to get a job when you have it this way, to prove you went through the school program.

Q:  Any other advice to those considering a similar program?

In order to be a phlebotomist or a medical assistant, you need to make sure you like working with people. You do your lists of pros and cons. For example, lets say you work in pediatrics, do you want to work with kids? Really you have to figure out what your values are. If you’re not a people person you probably shouldn’t be working in medical fields.

If you are interested in phlebotomy or in medical training programs in general, please visit our California Medical Training schools page to find a program near you.

Nursing is a job that will likely never disappear, although it is constantly changing due to advancements in science and technology. One way it has changed some is that there are more ways to get into the field.  It is no longer necessary that you attend nursing school for years. Through vocational nursing, anyone who is willing and dedicated to hard work can finish a course in about a year and become certified to be a vocational nurse, also called licensed practical nurses. Vocational nurses must work under the supervision of registered nurses, but with experience can begin supervising nurse aides on their own. Registered nurses usually have longer education times or more experience, so they also have more responsibilities than vocational nurses.

A vocational nurse often helps with simpler tasks so that registered nurses can deal with more critical issues. For that same reason, vocational nurses have to be able to think quickly and independently.  While the registered nurses may be busy, the vocational nurse must decide if the issues the other patients are dealing with require the registered nurse’s attention or not.

Vocational nurses take vitals, dress wounds, and help patients bathe, move and dress. They can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics or nursing homes. The majority of jobs for vocational nurses are full time positions, and in certain settings can often go longer than 40 hours in a week if a patient requires special attention.

How to get started

In California, the easiest way to get licensed as a vocational nurse is to first take a state approved program, and then pass a licensing exam and completing an application. The minimum requirement to get into a vocational program is a high school diploma or a GED. Most of the programs include clinical hours in the year long programs.

In California, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians is in charge of licensing graduates, and approving the school programs. When the exam is processed through your school, results can be expected in four to five weeks. Your fingerprints must be on file with the Board as part of the licensing process. Your school may require the fingerprints before the program begins.

What do I get out of it?

Many vocational nurses find it rewarding to help patients, and are sometimes unwilling or unable to dedicate more time before getting into the career. Besides getting into a job sooner, many programs offer flexibility that allows students to work while in the programs.

After you get a job as a vocational nurse, you can expect to earn annually at a national average of $39,030, according to the bureau of labor statistics. In the San Francisco Bay area the average annual wage was higher at $58,689 in December 2009.

For their two to four years of study, registered nurses make a little more than vocational nurses, averaging nationally more than $62,000 in May 2008, according to the bureau of labor statistics.  Even if your goal is to become a registered nurse, starting out as a vocational nurse and gaining both classroom and job experience may be a smart way to make sure that nursing is the right field for you before committing to additional years of education.

If you’re interested in nursing programs – both vocational and RN – view our list of schools in California offering nursing programs.

The demand for X-Ray technicians across the United States is growing at a faster than average pace according to the bureau of labor statistics, and as part of the health care industry the need for these professionals is not expected to go away. If you are looking for a career with good pay, long-term stability and one that you can get into without a four-year degree, you should consider becoming an X-Ray technician.

X-Ray technicians are responsible for operating x-ray imaging machines to provide tests to doctors so they can diagnose problems for patients. X-Ray technicians do not diagnose problems themselves. In addition, these technicians are responsible for controlling the amount of x-ray exposure to their patients so as not to harm them. They also must have good interpersonal skills to be able to talk to patients and reassure them when they are in pain, or confused about what is wrong with them. As an X-Ray technician you can get a job at hospitals, clinics or medical offices, or at some laboratories, or surgical centers.

Getting Started

Usually junior colleges and vocational schools provide the fastest way to get into the career with one to two year programs. The prices of the programs vary widely, and can end in diplomas, or associate degrees. Most programs will require students to go through basic math, science and anatomy courses first, and then students will start taking specific classes about x-ray technology and operating the machines. Many of the programs also include lab work or internships before graduation so that you can graduate with some feel for what the real work will be like.

In California, the department of public health strictly regulates X-ray technicians, so the school you go to must be approved by them. After completing the required education, those interested in beginning the career must apply with the Radiologic Health Branch of the department of public health in order to get certified. The state certification consists of an application and an exam. The application fee is $75 and $100 for the exam. The duration of the certification depends on the scope of responsibility you want to get certified for.

To continue practicing as an X-Ray technician you must make sure you don’t let your certification expire. It is unlawful to practice without state certification, and the costs to renew the certification more than double from $70 to $150 if you wait to renew after your certification is expired. The process to renew consists of filling out an application, but before doing so you must take 24 hours of continuing education courses in your x-ray field within two years from the expiration of your certification.

Once you’re ready to find a job, be prepared for hard work. While the hours for X-Ray technicians aren’t as hectic as other health care professionals, while at work, technicians are on their feet a majority of the time, and keep busy. In hospitals, they may work in more fast paced hectic settings where they could work “on-call” shifts and may be called into the emergency room during busy times as needed.

If you’re interested in being trained as an x-ray technician, view our list of schools in California that offer x-ray technician programs.

An interview with Ricardo Garay who attended an Engineering program at Wyotech in Long Beach, CA.

What program did you participate in?

Automotive Technology.

What is your current career?

I’m in the Military and I’m also a part time student.

Did you have to relocate to attend this school? And why? Was it worth it?

Yes, I moved from Missouri.  This school offered the best program and I had always wanted to go to CA.

Describe a typical day in your current career?

Right now I am still a student, but with a different institute locally. I am a Reserve with the National Guard.

How did your training help you get into this career?

This was a stepping-stone into my career choice with the military. It opened more options with law enforcement or engineering in the military.

How would things be different for you if you hadn’t received this training?

I probably wouldn’t be doing all the different things I am doing in the Reserves right now.

Were you happy with the training that you received?

Yes.

How long was the program?

36 months.

What were your favorite classes and why were they your favorite?

I enjoyed Mechanics and engineering the most. I am not one that likes English or literature stuff.

What did you take from the program that you use in your everyday job tasks?

Right now, I am always learning new things; mainly it helped with the basics.

Did you receive any financial aid or scholarships?

Yes – grants and Sallie Mae.

Did you go to school on a full-time or part-time basis?

Full time.

Were any of your classes online?

No.

Did you consider other programs?

Yes.

Why did you choose the one you did?

It was either engineering or Criminal Justice. Both are things I can use in a military career.

Would you recommend this school to someone else? Why or why not?

Yeah, California is a little distracting when you’re from the Midwest though. But the school was great.

If you could do it all over again, would you?

Yeah. But I would have waited until after the Guards.

About how many other students were in your classes?

50 I think.

For your particular program, are there any special licenses or certifications that you need to receive before getting a job?  If so, what are they and what do they entail?

I don’t know yet.

What are your plans now? Do they include continuing your education?

Yeah, now that I am a part of the military, there are more opportunities for me to pay for school. I attend community college where I am from. I’m staying close to my family and my fiancé.

An interview with Janet, who is a medical assistant at a doctor’s office in California.  Janet completed a medical assistant program at American Career College in  Los Angeles.

Q: Why did you decide to get this type of training?

A: I had heard that there is a shortage of people in the medical industry, not just with nursing, but with all areas of the field. I really don’t have the stomach for working on the frontline, but I wanted a job where I could help people and where I could be pretty sure my job would be stable.  With the way the economy is right now, I am really glad I decided to go this way with my career.

Q: What is your current career?

A: I am a medical assistant at a local doctor’s office. Most of what I do would be considered to be secretarial – handling phone calls, filing medical records, scheduling appointments, that sort of thing.

Q: How did your training help you get into this career?

A: Well, I already had some secretarial experience, but I wanted to specialize in a certain area so I could have better job opportunities and so I could make more money.  I would have never landed this job if I hadn’t completed the program at America Career College.  I think some doctors do provide on the job training, but the doctor I work for doesn’t. Besides, if you have the schooling, you can get a higher pay rate.

Q: How would things be different for you if you hadn’t received this training?

A: As I mentioned, I never would have landed this job if I hadn’t received the training.  So, I suppose I still would have tried to pursue a job in the field by looking for someone who doesn’t require medical assistant training, but I think it would have been a lot harder to find a job and I probably wouldn’t be making as much money as I do now.

Q: Were you happy with the training that you received?

A: Yes, definitely.  It took less than a year to complete the program and I was able to work on my own schedule.  Not only that, but the classes really helped get me prepared for the job.

Q: What was your favorite class?

A: It’s hard to say, but I think the anatomy class was the most interesting. Like I said, I have a bit of weak stomach, so some of that stuff can be difficult for me to look at.  Still, it is interesting to me.

Q: What class do you think was the most useful?

A: For what I do, I think  the office business procedures class was probably the most useful because I do mostly clerical type work.

Q: How long did it take you to complete the program?

A: Just 8 months!

Q: How much did it cost for you to complete the program?

A: I was able to qualify for financial assistance.  So, by the time all was said and done, really only cost me a few hundred dollars out of my own pocket.

Q: Did you go to school on a full-time or part-time basis?

A: I went full-time while working a part time job during the day.  I took the evening classes, which ran from 4:00 to 10:30 at night four days per week.  I guess it did make for long days, but it wasn’t too bad since the program only lasted for 8 months.

Q: Would you recommend this school to someone else? Why or why not?

A: Yes, for anyone who is interested in becoming a medical assistant, I think it is a great program. The teachers are nice, the program is interesting, scheduling is flexible and you can complete the program in just 8 months.

Q: If you could do it all over again, would you?

A: Yes, definitely.  The program really helped give me the training I needed to get the type of job I wanted.

Q: What was the most difficult part of the program for you?

A: The long days were rough sometimes.  Even though I worked part-time, I still had to put a lot of hours into going to school and working. So, keeping focused was hard at times.

Q: About how many other students were in your classes?

A: It varied by class, but I don’t think I ever had any more than maybe 15 or 20 people in a class.

An interview with Tim from Redlands, California who works for an auto repair garage.

Q: What is your job title? Where are you employed?

A: I am an auto mechanic at a local mom and pop garage.  We fix cars and sell cars, so I work on cars that are brought in for repair and cars that we get from auction and plan to sell.

Q: How long have you been an auto mechanic?

A: I’ve been working here for about 4 years, but I have been working as a mechanic for about 12 years.  I guess you could say I have been doing it for even longer if you count all the time I spent working on my own cars before I turned this into a job.

Q: What type of training did you have to become an auto mechanic?

A: My high school had an automotive program that I took when I was a junior and a senior.  That was enough to get my foot in the door.  That was good enough for awhile, but I wanted to make more money, so I went to a vocational school for a couple years before I got the job I now.

Q: What was this training like for you?

A: Well, for me, the training was a lot of fun.  I have always loved working on cars. It’s more of a hobby than a job. So, going back to school was interesting to me. Even if I wasn’t going to use it to help me with my job, I probably would have gone to school just so I could learn more about cars.

Q: Did you feel as if the training you received was enough to prepare you for the job?

A: Yeah, definitely.  It helped me learn more about cars and it gave me the piece of paper I needed to prove that I knew what I was doing.  That definitely helped open up more doors for me.

Q: What do you like best about your job?

A: I just love working with my hands and tinkering with cars. Trying to figure out what is wrong with the car and getting it running smoothly is really satisfying.  It’s like I get to solve some big puzzle every day.

Q: Describe your typical day on the job.

A: It’s kind of hard to describe a typical day because the work I have to do will change depending on the car. If the garage has anyone scheduled, they bring in their car and I take a look at it and try to figure out what is wrong with it. Usually, this means taking it for a test drive and hooking it up to diagnostic equipment. If there are no cars scheduled to come in, there are always cars for the sales lot that need to be looked at. Once I figure out what is wrong with the car, I get to work at trying to fix it.

Q: Is this type of day typical for someone in your line of work?

A: Yeah, I would say so. Some guys specialize in certain types of repairs, so I guess their day might not be as varied.  You know, like they might work on just brakes or on just exhaust systems.  With me, the things I have to work on are not always the same day in and day out.  I prefer it that way. It keeps it interesting.

Q: What career were you in before becoming a mechanic?

A: I have never done anything other than being a mechanic. When I first started out, I was doing pretty basic repairs. With my experience and schooling, I do more complicated repairs now.

Q: Why did you decide to become a mechanic?

A: Like I said, I have always loved cars and I like working with my hands. I also enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out what is wrong with a car and the satisfaction of getting it running again.

Q: What traits do you feel are necessary to be successful as a mechanic?

A: You have to like working with your hands and you need to be coordinated to work with the tools. You also need to be willing to get dirty and to get some bumps and scratches. It can be hard to reach certain parts of the car and you are definitely going to get sore sometimes. I guess you also need to be patient and you need to be good at problem solving because figuring out what is wrong with a car can be difficult sometimes.

Q: Would you recommend this career to someone else?

A: Definitely. If you like working on cars, I think it is a great career.

Q: What is your next career move, if any?

A: I’m pretty happy with where I am. I have thought about opening my own garage, but I am not sure if I am really ready to take that step. I would probably have to go back to school first so I could learn more about the business end of things.

—

If you’re interested in enrolling in an automotive training program, take a look at our list of automotive schools in California.

An interview with Brendan C., a police officer who works in the state of California.

Q:  How long have you been a police officer?

A:  I have been a police officer for two years.

Q: What type of training did you have to become a police officer?

A:  I started out as a 911 dispatcher, answering emergency calls and interacting with police officers on the job. My tenure in emergency dispatch lasted about six years. I also received an Associates degree in criminal justice from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.

Of course, to become an officer, everyone has to go through the academy. That was an amazing experience and also a difficult one too. I learned a lot about the job, but it is like going to an Army boot camp!

Q:  What do you like best about your job?

A:  I like the fact this it is something different everyday. There is also a great freedom to being on your own and not having someone watching over you all day while you work. I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a cubicle all day with a slew of people telling me what to do.

Q: What do you not like about your job?

A: I currently do not enjoy working the overnight hours, as I find I am not getting enough sleep. Unfortunately, that is a rookie thing and I will have to put in my time until a better shift is given to me… Law enforcement is out on the streets 24/7.

Q:  Describe your typical day on the job.

A:  If there is not anything urgent going on, than I typically do patrols of my areas at night. Mainly, I check on various businesses – strip malls, stores, gas stations – and make sure no one is breaking into them or causing any trouble. I also find there are a lot of domestic disputes called in at night, suspicious autos and the occasional OIU, or operating under the influence.

Once the sun starts coming up, I go around and double check my areas and make sure nothing has changed over night. We also get the random person who calls in to complain about a barking dog!

Q:  What traits do you feel are necessary to be successful as a police officer?

A:  You have to be honest and diligent, most of all. An officer also has to be on his toes and be prepared for anything. This line of work is not easy and you never know what could happen in the course of your shift. I think you must also have your emotions in check, because at some point you have to deal with death, horrific accidents and people who are under sever emotional stress.

Q:  Would you recommend this career to someone else?

A:  I think law enforcement is a great job for an individual who wants to serve their community, as it can be very rewarding on a personal level. It is also a fantastic job, because you never feel like it is ever going to get monotonous. Every day is different and you never know what you are going to come across.

Q: What is your next career move, if any?

A: I would like to continue as an officer for a while and then see if I can become a supervisor or work for the Highway Patrol.

If you think you might be interested in pursuing a career as a police officer, check out our list of schools in California offering programs and degrees in Criminal Justice.

Q&A session with Missy Stayner, a professional photographer who is self-employed.

Q: Can you tell us who you are currently employed with?

A: I am self-employed as a children’s photographer at Stayner Photography.

Q: What is the most requested service you provide?

A: Portrait sessions of children as they grow-up. Many parents have a regular seating session with us each year. Besides the school pictures that they receive each year, they want a better quality of image to have for their keepsakes of childhood.

Q: How long have you been a professional photographer?

A: I have been in business for 13 years. We are able to succeed in this area because of our reputation and the lack of quality photographers in the area.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your training and school experience?

A: I went to public schools and community college when I was younger, and while learning about Political Science for my major, I took photography courses as an elective to add to my college experience. What resulted was that I was a better photographer than a public servant. After 5 or 6 years of practicing and learning about techniques and procedures, I began to shoot different events and things that gave me some exposure to people who really enjoyed the pictures I took. After a few years of working on the side as a photographer, I decided to open an office for people to come and get their pictures taken. It evolved from there to focus specifically on children because, honestly, there is a bigger need for images of kids as they grow than other events in life. I like working with kids, too, so that help.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a professional photographer, and if there are any bad things, what would they be?

A: I’m fortunate to be able to be known for what I do. People come to me to have pictures taken knowing that they will get exactly what they want in return. I enjoy working with the children and then turning the sessions into great images through processing and technique. I like to think that I am one of the best and I think that keeps me doing all I can to deliver a great image that people will enjoy forever.

Q: Tell us about an average day.

A: We work by appointment only, so my average days are just that, average. We get to the studio around 9:30AM to prepare for the first appointments, which usually start at 11:15. We continue to shoot pictures throughout the day when there are clients who have made an appointment until about 5:00PM. I’ll collect all the films and prepare them for processing. I will process some images myself – what I do not send out – and end the day at around 7 PM. Outside of any road shoots that I may have to take, I’m in my studio and then I go home.

Q: If you ever take the next step in business, what would that be?

A: I think the step I took to make my own studio is where it ends. I hope that one day my son or daughter might enjoy doing this and they can continue the business. If not, then we’ll probably sell the property and retire. I’ll always take pictures though. I don’t see why I can’t continue doing what I want. I could even make some extra money too. My business ambitions are not that great seeing how I love what I do.

Q: Did your previous work history have anything to do with your current business position?

A: No, I can’t say that it did. I went to school to be a public servant and I came out loving photography. I think most people end up doing what they love over what they were trained to do in the first place. I guess I’m one of those people.

Q: In your field of work, what kind of benefits do you receive?

A: I do not receive benefits outside of what my husband receives from his company. Because most of the work I do is contract, and we only support a very small staff, we can’t support a large benefits package like a big company. We earn our money and spend it appropriately on the health insurance and retirement savings we need outside of the photography business.

Q: Tell me about the money you make.

A: In a good year, the studio can earn upwards of $40,000 after all the bills are paid. I made over $150,000 one year, but that was out of the ordinary, as was the year I earned under $30,000

Q: What makes someone good at this profession?

A: A good eye and knowledge of the equipment. The rest is up to artistic license. I think someone has to have a good personality and enjoy the business. People want to respect and enjoy the sessions as they come to your studio.  Someone has to be able to be a good customer servant in order to save themselves the problems that can arise from unhappy parents and clients.

Q: Would you recommend this career path to others who are looking for the same things you were when you started?

A: I would suggest that if they wanted to become a photographer they should not go to school to be a politician. I recommend this job to those who want to have a creative freedom to explore the best way to take great picture.

Check out our list of photography schools in California.

Q&A session with Meredith Mandel, a graphic designer who works for a clothing brand company in Los Angeles, California.

Q:  What is your job title and where are you employed?

A.:  I am a graphic designer for a clothing company called Matix, which is a subsidiary of Podium Distribution. They design clothes for people who enjoy the skater/surfer lifestyle. I work in Los Angeles, California.

Q:  How long have you been a graphic designer?

A:  This is my third year as a professional freelance graphic designer.

Q: What type of training did you have to become a graphic designer?

A:  It all stems from my days of being a Fine Arts major at the University of California Santa Barbara. I took courses on art, painting and printmaking at that school. While enrolled at UCSB, I went abroad and studied graphic design in Australia for a few months.

I currently am enrolled at the Otis School of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California studying graphic design. In the past, I have had the opportunity to intern at various companies that did not require a degree in graphic design and that has helped out a lot. There have also been many freelance opportunities that have arisen and that work has given me a great feel for the working world.

Q:  What do you like best about your job?

A:  I really enjoy being a creative person and being involved with art. I also enjoy the collaborative side of graphic design and getting to bounce ideas around with fellow peers.

I do not enjoy the fast paced environment and constantly trying to sell my product. At times, you may think you have a great idea, but when the client shoots it down, it doesn’t feel good.

Q:  Describe your typical day on the job.

A:  Right now, I am doing print work for a clothing company. A lot of my daily work involves the area of branding for the company. Currently, I am working on flyer and t-shirt designs for their next ad campaign as well as design work for their website. I basically come into work, perform the tasks that are given to me at the start of my day and then a supervisor revises that work and we make necessary changes.

Q:  What traits do you feel are necessary to be successful as a graphic designer?

A:  You have to have good speaking skills or you will never make it. A graphic designer must be able to articulate their body of work to a client and sell it. A good designer also must have high self-esteem and be proud of their work. Even if you do not think your work is 100%, you have to make the client believe it is or else they will see right through you.

Being personable is also a great trait to have as a graphic designer. You are constantly meeting clients and trying to win them over with not only your work, but yourself as a person too.

Q:  Would you recommend this career to someone else?

A:  I definitely would! Being a graphic designer forces you to be a creative person and makes you feel useful in today’s world. It constantly keeps me on my toes, is a lot of fun and I have been told it is a job that can add years to your life. I get to spend my day making art and get paid to do it as well.

Q: What is your next career move, if any?

A: I would love to work for a creative agency and be involved in more collaborative projects. Also, I think I would enjoy working for a company that has more of a collective background instead of one that is just in-house.

A career in graphic design can be extremely rewarding, as Meredith has told us.  If you’re thinking about pursuing this career,  check out a list of schools in California offering graphic design programs.