March is National Women's Month!

Let’s Celebrate All Beautiful Career Paths!

March is Women’s History Month and an opportunity to celebrate how far women have come. While we hear a lot about how women are underrepresented in math and science professions, we’re unlikely to hear much about women’s achievements in "pink" career fields.

Yet over the past century, "pink" career paths have created thousands of successful career paths and businesses.　

From product developers and beauty editors to backstage stylists, day spa owners and salon professionals, it’s estimated that more than 820,000 people work in the beauty industry today. Even more remarkable is that these jobs are projected to grow.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook 2010-11 Edition– projects that careers in cosmetology will grow much faster than the national average. Skincare (esthetics) careers are projected to grow 38 percent through 2018 with overall cosmetology jobs growing about 20 percent for the period 2008 through 2018. These jobs aren’t just in big cities, but in virtually every town.

Perhaps the most alluring part of a career in beauty is its staying power.

Consider:

·Jobs in the beauty industry are not subject to off-shoring – at least until someone invents a way to get a haircut from a call center.

·Jobs in the beauty industry are not likely to be replaced with technology – until a computer can provide a haircut and color.

· Jobs in the beauty industry provide what many young people are wanting more of today – life/work balance and the opportunity to create a schedule that lets people do what they love while also finding time for their loved ones. For this reason alone, beauty careers are an attractive choice for mothers and caregivers.

Perhaps the most beautiful thing about the beauty industry is its commitment to helping others. Each year, salons, beauty schools and manufacturers contribute thousands of hours of service to programs benefitting their community. Our various M.C. College locations have donated their time and energy to many volunteer and community programs:

M.C. College Red Deer raised over $1200.00 in a one day fundraiser with monies raised being given to the Christmas Bureau. They were also involved in Pinking for Cancer and raised over $1000.00.

M.C. College Edmonton has donated the revenue from one day's services to the Youth Emergency Shelter, donated haircuts to Employment Services Edmonton, has actively been involved in the Hair Massacure and is currently raising money for the relief effort in Japan.

M.C. College Calgary sent students to perform haircuts, manicures and pedicures for Woods Home - a homeless shelter for youth, and volunteered their time for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They also volunteer at a Calgary drop-in centre on a weekly basis and just finished up the 2nd annual Shave for the Brave event to benefit Young Adult Cancer Canada.

M.C. College Kelowna has given complimentary haircutes to the John Howard Society and the Cut for the Cure at the University of British Columbia.

M.C. College Vernon has donated a day's proceeds to the Salvation Army, they have participated in fundraising for the Winter Carnival and Elks Society, and have given free services to the Boys' and Girls' Club.

M.C. College Winnipeg has given complimentary manicures to inner city women at the Lord Selkirk Park Resource Centre and complimentary haircuts to the Spring Community Feast.

M.C. College Saskatoon donated their time to the Streak for MS event, and performed complimentary hair and makeup services for the Saskatchewan Learning Disabilities annual charity fashion show.

Beautiful indeed - we should be proud of ourselves, M.C. College Group!

Yes, we need careers in math, science and emerging technology fields. But let’s not forget about the opportunities available to those who want to make the world a more beautiful place.

Sincerely,

Joe Cairo

President, M.C. College Group Inc.