Graduate Story - Alana Cooke
Alana’s love for beauty led her to study a Diploma of Beauty Therapy where she fell in love with dermal therapy and landed her dream job shortly after graduating.
After graduating from a Diploma in Beauty Therapy in 2017, Alana got her first industry break landing a job as a Skin Therapist at Pure Indulgence right after graduation. Here Alana developed her skills and experience with skin and treatments that then lead her to land her dream job at Skin Forum as a Dermal Technician.
Alana’s love for beauty and wanting to help others came from a very young age and which lead her to study at The French. Alana says “I was blown away by the support! All of the teachers were beautiful and I met some amazing people. I loved how the French implemented the importance of self love and gratitude. The experience taught me a lot about who I am.”
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
I had an interest for beauty from a young age and always wanted a career where I could nurture others and help people achieve the best results to feel their best. So my passions lead me to Beauty therapy!
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
The French always stood out in my eyes plus I had heard many good things. Word of mouth is always a good indication of a reputable company.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
I was blown away by the support! All of the teachers were beautiful and I met some amazing people. I loved how the French implemented the importance of self love and gratitude. The experience taught me a lot about who I am.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
My teachers gave me the skills and mind set to become a good therapist. Always setting high expectations, self presentation and professionalism were always important.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
My favourite subject would have to be Advanced Facials, With Alana! That’s where I really found my passion.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
To be comfortable in your own skin.
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE INVALUABLE LESSONS OR MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU LEARNT AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY TO YOUR NEW CAREER?
Professionalism, self-attire and self confidence.
HOW EASY WAS IT FOR YOU TO GAIN WORK AFTER GRADUATING? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST CAREER ‘BREAK’?
I was extremely lucky! Originally I was offered work from the clinic I was doing work experience for. But my first break would have to be when I got offered a position at Pure Indulgence not long after graduation. They helped build my career! I was very grateful.
WHAT ELEMENTS OF YOUR STUDY ALLOWED YOU TO OBTAIN YOUR NEW JOB? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU THEN HIGHLIGHTED IN ORDER TO BE HIRED?
I had a lot of support when it was time to apply for jobs. One of our subjects was purely designed to help prepare us for the real world.
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
The French holds an extremely good reputation. I believe it comes down to the individual. If you love what you do and you’re willing to work hard you can get work anywhere you want.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I enjoy everything about Skin Forum! I love the environment I work in, my team and variety of treatments we do. I set a lot of goals whilst studying and it’s nice looking back at what I’ve achieved.
WHY IS IT SO EXCITING TO WORK WITHIN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
There are so many career paths you can go down, the opportunities are endless!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BEAUTY THERAPY?
Back yourself, believe in yourself and get started! Once you start you’ll know you’re on the right path.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
I am quite happy to settle in at Skin Forum for now. There is still so much to learn and grow within my new space.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Miss Dior Absolutely blooming
Lipstick: MAC Velvet Teddy
Book: You can heal your life- Louise L Hay
Blog: Not much of a blogger! Like a good Podcast.
Best Kept Secret: I always take Chinese herbs! They help me glow from the inside out.
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Sydney
Beauty Muse: Jocelyn Petroni
Drink: Mojito!! or for something more PG I love freshly squeezed orange juice!
Song: The Googoo Dolls – Slide
Quote: Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life
"I had an interest for beauty from a young age and always wanted a career where I could nurture others and help people achieve the best results to feel their best" - Alana Cooke
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