How to get jobs before graduation

[i likes cheese!]

This post for the students. I'm here writing this because I want to help you all. It wasn't long since I was a student of massage school. It's been a month exactly.

I want to explain how I was able to get a job and give you a way you can too.

The whole time I was in school, I was worried I wasn't going to be able to find a job, get clients, make enough to live, etc. I just didn't think it was possible! Just about every night, I was on youtube, hitting the books, WHATEVER I could do to "get good" at massage. I watched Lomi Lomi videos, a guy named Will Green(he has a video series of how to massage and build a practice), read these forums. I made sure I was learning something everyday.

You know children ask alot of questions right? The older we get, the less questions we ask everyday. That's the key! ASK. Ask as many questions as you can about massage, clients, ethics, room setups, music, how to relieve back pain, WHATEVER!

By the time clinic time had started I had already started business class and started writing my business plan. Every client that came to see me during client was TREATED. Not just rubbed for an hour. They can get their spouse to do that. Pamper them like the've never had any attention, treat them like kings/queens.

I bought a table warmer($30) and this aromatherapy set from this local mall here. I found the exact set online. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Herbs-Aromatherapy-Packs-Muscle/dp/B004FTIMV6

So before each client, I would look at the chart(see if there is anything they like, don't like, hot spots) and I'd microwave the hot packs and turn on the table warmer. I'd give the best massage I can each and every time. Every single client left me a 5 star review except 1.

VERY IMPORTANT
After client I asked the Director and instructors to that I wanted more experience and that I would be at the school on my OFF days and free time giving massages. I advertised on Facebook and let people know.

I wanted to work on all the instructors but I wasn't able to unfortunately. One instructor I did work on noticed my hard work, my dedication to becoming great and taking care of each client. She previously worked at a very renown medical facility in the area and still had a relationship with the owners. They needed someone and someone good. Who do you think she told would be a good fit?

So here are the keys broken down.

• 1. Learn all that you can. Youtube, google, go to the library at your school, city, absorb. If this isn't fun to you, or learning about massage is a dread this may not be your field.

• 2. During clinic set yourself apart. Think, "What makes me stand out. What makes me appear different from the others here." If everyone is giving massages, giving client water, then sending them on there way, then everyone is just doing a usual. Don't do this. Offer water/restroom before the massage and after. Ask them if there is any tension or areas in the neck shoulders, back that is bothering them any. If yes, heat up a heat pack WHILE they are getting undressed. When you walk in, say soething like, "Since your neck is bothering you, I went ahead and heating something up for you to make it feel better. This way when I get to the area it will be more relaxed." This is major brownie points. They are thinking, "Wow, he/she listened and really cares about me and really wants me to feel good, this massage will be great, I can already tell. Wow this table sure is warm too."

• 3. Instead of just doing what everyone does and giving your client an evaluation form to fill out, ask them verbally. Say, "I'm really looking to improve my work and it would mean a lot to me if you could just tell me what you liked the best, or didn't like, or wanted more of. Or maybe what would of made the session different." This is what helped me out the most. I listened and changed my routine based on what my clients told me.

• 4. Go to the clinic and get massages. This is important in and of itself not only for self-care but to show you enjoy it as much as giving it. You also learn a lot of new things as well. Maybe different techniques, strokes, patterns, whatever

• 5. Go to the school, or take your chair/table to your hair dresser, nail salon, etc and ask if you could give them a free massage. They will LOVE you for it. That is the best word of mouth right there. Advertise this to as many people as possible. Maybe write on a sticker or name eforum.xxx, "Ask me how to get free massages." Anything it takes, just do this. It will not only make you stand out, you will get better at what you do and last a lot longer than your classmates.

After all this was done and started putting together my website an instructor called me one afternoon and told me about a medical facility in need of a male and said she thought that we would go greta together. Fast forward 2 months later, I got my license, website finished, and doing outcalls while waiting for the spa manager to return from maternity leave so I can start working there.

Medical spas are the way to go in my opinion. After sitting down with admin of the plastic surgery center, she explained all the benefits and things I needed to know about the job. It had a very high clientele meaning when I started, I didn't have to wait for clients to show up. I get 60% of everything and 50% of all products. The nail tech and esthetician and I work very closely together, we all get a cut when we refer back and forth. VERY good money to be made. The center has a 401(k) that matches 8%(which is very good) and health insurance(very cheap). I don't have to wash sheets, or buy lotions or oils or business cards. The center takes care of all of it. If I want to do hot stones, they will order the stuff and add it to their website and price list.

It is 48 dollars a massage not including tips, product sales, and referral fees. I work 5 days a week off on weekends and still do outcalls on the side from my website. http://www.massagebyjohn.com.

I'm not saying all this to boast I'm telling you scared, worried students that it's OKAY. You can still retire, have a family, go on vacations. I make 1200 a week minimum always. That's 4800 a month guaranteed. Or 57,000 a year. I'd say that is pretty good money starting out don't you think?

So stop worrying! Start studying, learning, massaging. You guys got this! I panic about everything. Fear is a motivator for me. It's alright to be scared. Just make sure your working towards something productive. Good luck to you all and I look forward to reading comments and/or answering questions.

 

[Amanda R]

How to get jobs before graduation

With the new massage laws that are being passed, getting a job before graduation may not be a viable option. I'm hoping that there will be intern or work-study opportunities for MT students in the future, though. I don't know if any states have ironed that out yet, but mine hasn't.

 

[littleme09]

How to get jobs before graduation

No no, I didn't get this job before graduation. I had a prosspect. I graduated then went to talk about paperwork, scheduling, pay, etc.

 

[David H]

How to get jobs before graduation

No no, I didn't get this job before graduation. I had a prosspect. I graduated then went to talk about paperwork, scheduling, pay, etc.

I see, now. And you have very good pointers in this thread.

 

[SwimIsAwesome =]]

How to get jobs before graduation

Thanks for the post. Im a newbie here dont start school till July 5th but great info and i will reread this many times through my 6month 660hr course.

 

[pdsmonki0809]

How to get jobs before graduation

Every client that came to see me during client was TREATED. Not just rubbed for an hour. They can get their spouse to do that. Pamper them like the've never had any attention, treat them like kings/queens.

I LOVE this! What a great attitude to have. Thank you for your post. I am currently in school and have clients in clinic. And as I am getting closer to graduating I am getting concerned about what kind of jobs are available. And I think that changing my thinking and approach may help me in the long run.

 

[Magic Man]

How to get jobs before graduation

This post for the students. I'm here writing this because I want to help you all. It wasn't long since I was a student of massage school. It's been a month exactly.

I want to explain how I was able to get a job and give you a way you can too.

The whole time I was in school, I was worried I wasn't going to be able to find a job, get clients, make enough to live, etc. I just didn't think it was possible! Just about every night, I was on youtube, hitting the books, WHATEVER I could do to "get good" at massage. I watched Lomi Lomi videos, a guy named Will Green(he has a video series of how to massage and build a practice), read these forums. I made sure I was learning something everyday.

You know children ask alot of questions right? The older we get, the less questions we ask everyday. That's the key! ASK. Ask as many questions as you can about massage, clients, ethics, room setups, music, how to relieve back pain, WHATEVER!

By the time clinic time had started I had already started business class and started writing my business plan. Every client that came to see me during client was TREATED. Not just rubbed for an hour. They can get their spouse to do that. Pamper them like the've never had any attention, treat them like kings/queens.

I bought a table warmer($30) and this aromatherapy set from this local mall here. I found the exact set online. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Herbs-Aromatherapy-Packs-Muscle/dp/B004FTIMV6

So before each client, I would look at the chart(see if there is anything they like, don't like, hot spots) and I'd microwave the hot packs and turn on the table warmer. I'd give the best massage I can each and every time. Every single client left me a 5 star review except 1.

VERY IMPORTANT
After client I asked the Director and instructors to that I wanted more experience and that I would be at the school on my OFF days and free time giving massages. I advertised on Facebook and let people know.

I wanted to work on all the instructors but I wasn't able to unfortunately. One instructor I did work on noticed my hard work, my dedication to becoming great and taking care of each client. She previously worked at a very renown medical facility in the area and still had a relationship with the owners. They needed someone and someone good. Who do you think she told would be a good fit?

So here are the keys broken down.

• 1. Learn all that you can. Youtube, google, go to the library at your school, city, absorb. If this isn't fun to you, or learning about massage is a dread this may not be your field.

• 2. During clinic set yourself apart. Think, "What makes me stand out. What makes me appear different from the others here." If everyone is giving massages, giving client water, then sending them on there way, then everyone is just doing a usual. Don't do this. Offer water/restroom before the massage and after. Ask them if there is any tension or areas in the neck shoulders, back that is bothering them any. If yes, heat up a heat pack WHILE they are getting undressed. When you walk in, say soething like, "Since your neck is bothering you, I went ahead and heating something up for you to make it feel better. This way when I get to the area it will be more relaxed." This is major brownie points. They are thinking, "Wow, he/she listened and really cares about me and really wants me to feel good, this massage will be great, I can already tell. Wow this table sure is warm too."

• 3. Instead of just doing what everyone does and giving your client an evaluation form to fill out, ask them verbally. Say, "I'm really looking to improve my work and it would mean a lot to me if you could just tell me what you liked the best, or didn't like, or wanted more of. Or maybe what would of made the session different." This is what helped me out the most. I listened and changed my routine based on what my clients told me.

• 4. Go to the clinic and get massages. This is important in and of itself not only for self-care but to show you enjoy it as much as giving it. You also learn a lot of new things as well. Maybe different techniques, strokes, patterns, whatever

• 5. Go to the school, or take your chair/table to your hair dresser, nail salon, etc and ask if you could give them a free massage. They will LOVE you for it. That is the best word of mouth right there. Advertise this to as many people as possible. Maybe write on a sticker or name eforum.xxx, "Ask me how to get free massages." Anything it takes, just do this. It will not only make you stand out, you will get better at what you do and last a lot longer than your classmates.

After all this was done and started putting together my website an instructor called me one afternoon and told me about a medical facility in need of a male and said she thought that we would go greta together. Fast forward 2 months later, I got my license, website finished, and doing outcalls while waiting for the spa manager to return from maternity leave so I can start working there.

Medical spas are the way to go in my opinion. After sitting down with admin of the plastic surgery center, she explained all the benefits and things I needed to know about the job. It had a very high clientele meaning when I started, I didn't have to wait for clients to show up. I get 60% of everything and 50% of all products. The nail tech and esthetician and I work very closely together, we all get a cut when we refer back and forth. VERY good money to be made. The center has a 401(k) that matches 8%(which is very good) and health insurance(very cheap). I don't have to wash sheets, or buy lotions or oils or business cards. The center takes care of all of it. If I want to do hot stones, they will order the stuff and add it to their website and price list.

It is 48 dollars a massage not including tips, product sales, and referral fees. I work 5 days a week off on weekends and still do outcalls on the side from my website. http://www.massagebyjohn.com.

I'm not saying all this to boast I'm telling you scared, worried students that it's OKAY. You can still retire, have a family, go on vacations. I make 1200 a week minimum always. That's 4800 a month guaranteed. Or 57,000 a year. I'd say that is pretty good money starting out don't you think?

So stop worrying! Start studying, learning, massaging. You guys got this! I panic about everything. Fear is a motivator for me. It's alright to be scared. Just make sure your working towards something productive. Good luck to you all and I look forward to reading comments and/or answering questions.

Lots of good ideas and thoughts, but I bolded the one paragraph because jobs at that pay scale are scarce and not at all representative of the norm. However, the potential to make a good income is certainly there. To see the current AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet, click http://www.amtamassage.org/articles/2/PressRelease/detail/2146

For information about different workplace options and getting your career started, click http://www.amtamassage.org/career_guidance/type/10

There's a ton of other excellent info available free of charge on that site, and I suggest that every new practitioner check it out!