Professional beauty careers are evolving rapidly. As more people invest in skincare, personal grooming, and holistic wellness, the demand for licensed professionals who can deliver real results continues to grow. As per the US cosmetology industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2021 to 2028
Here’s the good news: many of these roles don’t require a four‑year degree. With the right focused program, you could be licensed and entering the workforce in as little as one year. If you’d like to explore your options, we encourage you to request more information or schedule a campus tour to begin the process.
If you’re ready to enter the workforce quickly with structure, flexibility, and long-term potential, this may be the right time for you.
Why short-term beauty Programs at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology make career sense
A four- to five-year degree isn’t the only path to a meaningful, well-paying career in the beauty industry. In fact, more people are choosing shorter programs that teach job-specific skills and offer faster entry into the workforce.
These programs are designed for efficiency taking less time and costing less to complete while focusing entirely on preparing you for a real-world work environment. That means less theory and more hands-on training, which employers highly value. Whether you’re exploring a new path or planning your next step, short-term training can provide an affordable and focused way to build the skills needed for today’s beauty industry.”
Popular and Fast-Track Career Options in Beauty
If you’re exploring career paths in the beauty industry, here are two of the most rewarding and in-demand options to consider.
Cosmetology: Build a Full-Service Beauty Career in One Year
A license in cosmetology leads to a wide career in the beauty industry. The program prepares students to provide expert services in creativity, including cutting hair, color application, and building successful business practices and client relationships.
What You’ll Learn at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology
Program Highlights:
- 1,500 hours of hands-on training across four levels: Skill, Design, Style, and Mastery
- Education in color techniques, texture services, makeup application, nail care, and client relationship building
- Use of industry systems like Redken for advanced styling instruction
- Comprehensive state board preparation
- Access to ProsperU’s modern business program to build retail knowledge and professional skills
- Students receive customized kits that include tablets for online learning and professional-grade tools for their use throughout cosmetology school and after graduation.
- Day and night class schedules and scholarships are available for qualifying students
Throughout your training, you’ll work in supervised student salons to practice and refine your skills in a real service environment. Students graduate with hands-on experience and state board preparation designed to help them enter the field with confidence.
Esthetics: Focused Training for a Skincare-First Career
The esthetics program offers intensive, fast-track learning for those passionate about skincare, wellness, and spa therapy. It combines classroom theory with hands-on training to prepare you for licensing and a successful career in skincare.
Program Highlights:
- 600 hours of training in skincare treatments, waxing, eyelash services, and makeup application
- Clinics use professional-grade products, including Dermalogica, Circadia, and Mettle makeup
- Students receive a customized esthetics kit that includes essential tools such as make-up, eyelash products, a wax kit, and state board testing essentials
- You should also learn how to recognize skin problems that may go beyond an esthetician’s skills and patients who may need to be referred to a dermatologist or other medical professional
- There are multiple campus locations in South Carolina: Spartanburg, Florence, Goose Creek, Rock Hill, North Augusta, West Columbia, and Greenville
Day and night class options and financial aid available
With strong product knowledge and hands-on experience, graduates are confident and ready to serve clients in spas, salons, certain medical settings, or their own practice.
Career Support and Industry Connections
At Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, career preparation goes hand-in-hand with education. Both cosmetology and esthetics students have access to built-in career support throughout their training, beginning on day one. Each campus includes a Student Success Coach—someone whose role extends beyond academics.
These coaches help students navigate job searches, prepare for interviews, and build strong resumes. They also offer guidance on professional behavior, like salon etiquette and time management, while serving as a steady resource when personal or life challenges arise. The goal is to ensure students aren’t just learning skills—they’re prepared to step confidently into the workforce.
You will have access to on-campus career fairs where local salon and spa owners meet with students nearing graduation. Each school also maintains a placement board listing available positions at local salons across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Career preparation is built into the learning process, from interview coaching to image development, through ProsperU’s business training modules. By the time you finish your program, students benefit from job‑search support, interview prep, and connections with local salons.
Conclusion
A career in cosmetology or esthetics doesn’t require a four-year college degree. With the proper training, you could be licensed and ready to start work in less than a year in this booming industry.
At Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, we offer programs designed to equip you with the skills, training, and support to jumpstart your beauty career. These programs are more than just a path to licensure; they lay the foundation for a meaningful, long-term career that continues to grow even after you complete your studies.
If you’re ready to explore your options, request more information or book a campus tour to begin the process!
