My Advice For High Schoolers Getting into Cosmetics Chemistry
During high school:
During high school is the time to find what you are interested in. If you are reading this post, you already have somewhat of an idea, which is already a great start. Not everyone has a plan during college none the less high school, which is okay too. Don't also be afraid to change major if you have to. It is the best time to take classes at an "easier" level during your time in high school, for example. Taking human physiology and anatomy is one. I will list some classes that I recommend later in this post.
Remember to save all your notes and worksheets; they will help you in college. In high school, they present you information in a controlled way while with college you have to know every detail that they present you. I want to let you know that if you struggle in high school chemistry, it is okay. It is not an easy topic.
High School is not whether you know the Pythagorean theorem or not. I know it feels like it, but it is more of; can you apply logic, analyze given information, and relating your classes to what you want to do or are interested in. The last one is super important and it totally changed my perspective and make high school a lot easier. It will also allow you to enjoy them more. I know that this may not be as easy with a pandemic, but that still does not mean that you can get something out of it.
Below, I will share some of the classes that I recommend you take. I know that each school has different classes and requirements, but here is a good outline.
Classes I recommend these classes:
Any business or economic classes
All the Science classes that you can take
If you can take AP Chemistry. I would recommend it because I had to take an introductory chemistry class as a prerequisite for that I could have avoided, but I know that
All the Math classes that you can take.
Phycology
Human Physiology and Anatomy
Introduction to Art
Debate Classes.
Language classes are a great skill.
If you are comfortable, you can make an Instagram account, as I did. It is a great start. Don't feel like you have to have all the knowledge in the world. Anyone can start one.
I am so glad that I started one because now I have been able to do a job with it before I have gotten my degree. Please don't get me wrong, I have done many courses over the years and have purchased many things to get to the stage I am now, but I do not want you to wait. A connection that you make will help you so much.
Before you graduate:
Now is the time to decide on what college you want to go to. There are specialized colleges for cosmetic chemistry. The other option, which is the one that I am doing, is getting a general chemistry degree. You don't have to get a chemistry degree either. Chemical engineers, biologists, biochemist's can all get jobs in the cosmetic industry. So don't feel like you are stuck with only a chemistry major.
If you want a completely online option, there are two that I recommend: the society of cosmetics chemists and the Institute of Personal Care Science.
After Graduating:
First, congratulations on graduating! Whether you were in a pandemic or not, you have completed a major life accomplishment. Now is when you will take classes that relate to the field you want to be in/ Make sure to get to know your professor and other students. I know that it is not easy, but connections are so important at this time. Now is the time to make a social media account for yourself. You can always discuss what you are learning. Creating your own personal brand is really important in the industry. It can be quite competitive, so you want to stand out in any positive way that you can.
General tips:
Network
Start Now!
Learn how to research and find info. There is a lot of misinformation out there about cosmetics so make sure that
Do not be afraid to ask.
If you are comfortable, find a mentor.
Try to apply what you learn to the field. This is what helped me not only enjoy my classes more but also take advantage.
Don't stress about where you are.
Take classes that apply to cosmetic chemistry; you may be surprised about some.
Try to formulate basic products. I have a FREE eBook for this. ;)
Save information!
Write down ideas
Do product research, Look at products at places that you shop, and analyze the ingredients. Search ingredients that you do not know
Follow the trends.
Tips for New College Students:
High school and college are two different animal. The biggest things that you have to adjust to, is being required to know all information presented to you, learning A LOT of information at once, spending less time in class, and more time on your own time studying and working thought the material.
You will have very hard classes that you will parley pass and that is okay. Especially ones that are not for your major this is not uncommon. As we naturally want to focus on the classes that are for our major.
Work/school/social life balance is very hard to balance.
With the pandemic, a lot of classes have been all online, the tool that you have are just as important as the information the you get ( e.g.: book). For me that was getting a writing tablet and then needing to get an iPad to do work. As a note, make sure to save your work, as not saving document is huge.
