Career Opportunities & Employment Support at Aveda Institute Portland
Aveda Institute Portland provides career support and employment opportunities to help students prepare for professional careers in the beauty and wellness industry. Students can connect with salons, spas, and other beauty industry employers through career fairs, recruiting events, salon pop-ups, employer presentations, and networking opportunities.
Career support is available to students at both the Portland and Vancouver campuses and is designed to help students build professional connections and prepare for the transition from school to the workplace.
(Images shown are past career fairs, salon pop-ups, WIW and ITT events at Aveda Institute Portland & Vancouver campus)
How Does Aveda Institute Portland Support Students' Career Goals?
Career support at Aveda Institute Portland helps students develop professional readiness while they are completing their education. Opportunities may include:
Meeting salon owners, hiring managers, and beauty industry professionals
- Attending career fairs and employer recruiting events
- Learning about available part-time and full-time positions
- Connecting with local salons and spas
- Participating in salon pop-ups and industry-focused events
- Learning about employer expectations and hiring practices
- Building professional relationships before graduation
- Preparing a professional portfolio and developing career-ready skills
These opportunities allow students to explore potential career paths and make connections within the professional beauty industry before completing their program.
How Do Students Connect With Beauty Industry Employers?
Students have opportunities to meet potential employers through career fairs/recruiting events.
Aveda Institute Portland has hosted past events such as Work-IT-Wednesday and Industry-Talk-Tuesday, giving students opportunities to hear directly from local salons and spas about their hiring needs and career opportunities.
How Often Are Career Fairs Held?
Aveda Institute Portland holds career fairs in the spring and fall of each year. Career fairs give students the opportunity to meet salon and spa employers, explore employment opportunities, and learn about part-time and full-time positions in the beauty industry.
Students can find announcements about upcoming career fairs and recruiting events on campus TV screens and through Learn Aveda.
What Types of Careers Can Aveda Institute Portland Graduates Pursue?
Career opportunities depend on the program completed, professional licensing requirements, and each graduate's interests and qualifications.
Depending on their education and credentials, graduates may explore opportunities in:
- Salons
- Spas
- Skincare and esthetics
- Hair design and styling
- Beauty and wellness businesses
- Product sales and beauty brands
- Education and industry training
- Independent or freelance beauty services
- Other professional beauty and wellness environments
Aveda Institute Portland offers programs in Cosmetology, Hair Design, and Esthiology, providing students with specialized training for different areas of the professional beauty industry.
Career Opportunities FAQ
Can I start looking for a job before I graduate?
Yes. Students can begin exploring career opportunities while completing their education. Connecting with industry professionals and potential employers before graduation can help students learn about available positions and prepare for the transition from school to the workplace.
What types of careers can I pursue after graduating?
Career opportunities depend on the program you complete and the professional license or credentials you earn. Graduates may pursue careers in salons, spas, beauty and wellness businesses, and other areas of the professional beauty industry.
Do I need a professional license to work in the beauty industry?
Licensing requirements vary by profession and state. Students should review the requirements of the state where they plan to work and make sure they meet all applicable education, examination, and licensing requirements before beginning their careers.
Can I work in a salon or spa while I am still a student?
Employment opportunities and eligibility to work in the beauty industry vary depending on your program, training level, and state licensing requirements. Students should check applicable state regulations and speak with their school advisors about what opportunities may be available while they are enrolled.
What should I do to prepare for my career before graduation?
Take advantage of opportunities to build your technical skills, develop professional relationships, create a strong portfolio, social media presence, and learn about the expectations of employers in the beauty and wellness industry. Building these skills while you are in school can help you feel more prepared when you begin your job search.
Can I pursue a career outside of working in a salon?
Yes. Beauty and wellness education can lead to a variety of career paths beyond traditional salon positions. Depending on your training, interests, and additional qualifications, you may explore opportunities in spas, skincare, education, product sales, beauty brands, and other areas of the industry.
Connect With Future Talent
Are You a Salon or Spa Employer Looking to Hire?
Aveda Institute Portland provides opportunities for salons and spas to connect with students training in cosmetology, esthiology, hair design, waxing, facials, and salon services.
Employers can participate in career fairs and recruiting opportunities to meet future beauty professionals and introduce students to career opportunities within their organizations.
Upcoming Career Fair: August 31, 2026 | 12–2 PM
Salon and spa employers interested in participating can register online to reserve a spot.
Hear From an Employer!
"When I see someone is an Aveda Institute of Portland graduate, I know they are comfortable offering high end products, a quality service and are highly motivated. All of the AIP alumni working with us are our top performers and we encourage other AIP graduates to join our teams."
-Mallary Holcomb
Sports Clips Area Manager
Explore Your Career Path at Aveda Institute Portland
Whether you're interested in hair, skincare, or the broader beauty and wellness industry, Aveda Institute Portland offers career-focused training and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.
Explore our Cosmetology, Hair Design, and Esthiology programs to find the training path that aligns with your career goals.
You can also review our Student Outcomes & Career Success information to learn more about reported graduation, licensure, and placement outcomes.
Ready to explore your options? Contact the Aveda Institute Portland Admissions team to learn about programs, start dates, admissions requirements, and your next steps.
Contact Admissions
For questions about enrollment, program details, start dates, or student outcomes, contact the Aveda Institute Portland Admissions team. Admissions advisors can provide guidance on programs, requirements, and the enrollment process.
Contact Shayla Patterson, Admissions:
- Phone: 503.294.6000 ext 310
- Email: [email protected]
- Request Information: Take a tour