In the business world, a trend has been detected in business-to-business services among manufacturers and suppliers of industry-related technology that create job opportunities. There is also a growing need for staff who can do efficient reception and office administration, with or without therapeutic skills.
Your career in the beauty and health environment can therefore start at various places in the value chain, depending on what kind of qualification would be obtained.
Therefore, the Isa Carstens® Academy has created Accredited Higher Education Qualifications and short courses to meet various career needs, from working in reception or operations as a therapist to management. A personalised career discussion helps prospective students find confidence in choosing an educational pathway that meets their career goals.
The therapist
The best qualification to combine a holistic approach in health and beauty is a Diploma in Somatology-NQF 6. With a scientific approach to treatments and the necessary technical skills, the therapist develops creative and holistic thinking, as well as skills to be able to carry out result-driven treatments.
The somatologist is typically someone with an eye for aesthetics and detail in all aspects of her life. They are usually empathetic, and are also often interested in the arts, education. psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and various other medical fields.
They can work at, among others, beauty salons, spas on passenger ships, skin care clinics and medical aesthetic practices.
The most popular specialization arising from Somatology is in skin care and is supported by the Advanced Diploma in Skin Aesthetics - NQF 7 qualification. Here, their knowledge expands in advanced skin care and technology where treatments are carried out under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Training and corporate representatives
Training institutions need lecturers and product manufacturers need role players with sufficient background knowledge to train therapists in the ever-changing technologies, including products, devices and machines. Sales representatives in turn support business transactions with their scientific background knowledge in different technologies and business skills.
Furthermore, there are job opportunities as beauty journalists or content creators for digital media.
The advanced knowledge gained in somatology and advanced aesthetics is essential to master these roles. This career offers a corporate approach, in contrast to the role as a therapist where you work with the end consumers.
Operational and general managers
Great customer service and administration are, among other things, the key to success, good hospitality and personal services. There is a need for qualified and skilled persons who can handle the administration and management of beauty salons, spas, medical aesthetic clinics, spas on board passenger ships and in hotels.
At the same time, support therapists are required to perform popular treatments during the busiest times in the salon or spa.
It is the combination of selective practical skills together with office administration competence, which creates unique value for employers and entrepreneurs by offering flexibility. In this way, the candidate increases their chance of quickly starting to earn an income after only a year of studies.
Isa Carstens® Academy saw this need and developed a unique course: the Higher Certificate in Office Administration - NQF 5. Five popular practical modules are included, with the option of selecting retail marketing as an elective.
An NQF level 5 qualification can give you access to further studies at NQF level 6.
What will I learn in the higher certificate course in office administration?
The support these subjects provide is crucial to ensuring flow and operational success and develops skills in:
- Receiving and communicating with customers
- Managing appointments
- Marketing coordination
- Office management
- Basic accounting responsibilities such as handling payments and checking accounts
- Managing sales
If you are interested in beauty, you have the option to specialize in the following in addition to office administration:
- Basic treatments such as make-up, hair removal, body massage, manicure, pedicure and nail technology
What are my job opportunities with the higher certificate in office administration?
With this background, the candidate can assist and support the rest of the team as administrative assistant and manager, and also perform certain beauty treatments. The skills also enable the entrepreneurial student to become economically self- sufficient and start their own businesses.
A six-month online course in Salon and Spa management with international recognition is also offered by the Isa Carstens® Academy to further develop the business management skills of trained therapists, or to teach entrepreneurs industry-specific business skills if they want to enter the beauty market.
Where can I study it?
Isa Carstens® Academy was founded in 1978, and with 45 years in business they are South Africa's most respected and prestigious beauty, skincare and wellness academy. Isa Carstens® Academy's courses are accredited by the Council of Higher Education and have campuses in Pretoria and Stellenbosch.
The Academy offers the following accredited courses:
- Diploma in Somatology-NQF 6
- Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics - NQF 7
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration - NQF 5
Accommodation is available at both campuses.
Visit the Isa Carstens® Academy website for more information.
