Alice(Own Business)

Soon after graduation, Alice opened her own practice. In 2002, Alice began working as an onsite massage therapist for Novell. [Corporate Massage] She also works as a part time trainer. She recently sent the following e-mail to Career Services:

After my graduation, I immediately apply the necessary licenses and opened my own private practice called "FEEL THE KNEAD MASSAGE THERAPY". My practice became very successful after only a short time. I was very happy with my own business that I had. Later, I have my first child, I became a [stay-home-mother] . I did not work.

"My life took a drastic change after my child, and I was forced into looking at continuing my practice as a way of surviving. Soon after this event, I heard that Novell was looking for a new therapist. I immediately faxed my resume to them. I was interviewed along with many other therapists. Following my second interview which was a hands on session; I was hired literally on the spot at the fitness center to teach a 'Relaxation with Self-Massage' class on some relaxing and stress relieving techniques for home and office use for gym goers. As a general rule these classes would only bring in about 12 people. I was told not to plan on any more that that.

On the day of the class my supervisor informed me that I had 80 people sign up and that they usually had a 50% show rate. We set up chairs for 50 people. I had 67 people in attendance and a very positive response to the information that they were given.

When I returned to my office I found my mailbox completely full [with requests from] people who were wanting to schedule massage with me :-)

I know that when I am able to open my schedule to full-time again, I will be able to keep busy.

"I am so grateful for the massage education you provided for me. I am glad that I took my education seriously. I worked hard to learn and retain the information that I was given. I kept up on my studies and was able to graduate. I attended all of my classes and every practical shift, loving every moment. I love my profession as a therapeutic massage therapist.

I love and am so grateful for the people with whom I am able to touch. If I am asked for words of advice, I would say to study hard, attend all you your classes and practical shifts, learn how to talk about the work to people, work on as many different people as you possibly can and… let Love and Compassion flow through your work. What a great gift this work has been in my life! Thank You!

"Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope that it will serve to be an inspiration to those who may read it!"

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Jimmy

In February 2002 Jimmy interviewed by the largest Cruise: Steiner Transocean's [ US Based Cruise Operator] recuiting day. But Jimmy didn't graduate until March 2003, but it was his dream to start his career working onboard a cruise ship. At the time he attended the recruiting event, he had yet to graduate from his professional practical program.

He was told at his interview that he would have to re-interview again later, as he was not yet graduated or licensed Massage Therapist.

Jimmy was determined to get started as early as possible. A couple of weeks after the recruiting event he received a letter stating that he was successful in the interviewing process but there were no current openings for him. Jimmy graduated and licensed at the first available opportunity and set out to work privately until he get this dream job of working and traveling around the world.

In April 2002, Jimmy received a phone call from Steiner asking if he would be interested in starting in July 2003. He accepted the offer and has spent the last 3-month preparing to embark on his adventure.

Getting the money to license, pay off his bills, sell his car, take some additional training, as well as making sure he had enough pocket money to travel and visit US.

He says that he truly believes "If you are 100% committed the rest takes care of it's self." Jimmy advertised on the local classified. And worked privately for the past 3 months and has made the money necessary to make his dream come true. Jimmy says "My intent is 100% clear, there has never been any confusion in what I want to accomplish."

Jimmy's future 5 year - plans include opening his own spa, retiring young and living life to it's fullest.

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Bryan

Bryan graduated in October 2002. While still a student, Bryan likes traveling. Bryan was offered a position with Steiner [US Based Cruise Operator], the largest provider of massage therapists to the cruise ship industry. This offer came before his last day of class. The following is a letter Bryan submitted a letter :

"Life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness."

This is what my new career as a massage therapist has given me in my life. Since my first day of school here, I knew that I would like to work in the spa industry as a massage therapist. I love the atmosphere and the opportunity to meet many new and different people. This is my dream.

"In September, I embarked on the pursuit of my dream by interviewing with Steiner. I was a little unsure of how I would be received as I had not graduated yet and was not even a certified therapist yet. But I turned to my excitement and dreams of traveling the world into positive energy to aid me through the process of the daylong interview.

"During Steiner's presentation, I began to get even more excited and couldn't wait to get my hands on someone for the hands-on interview. Jo; the interviewers, asking questions that any employer would ask while I was expected to keep on massaging my client as I answered.

I don't remember any of my answers really because I was so nervous, but when my client got off the table she made a comment, "You got the job." I guess my positive energy must have been displayed as confidence for the hands-on interview. On the way home Susan, my classmate and I joked and laughed about the good times we would have if hired by this incredible company while at sea.

"Almost four weeks after the interview everyone had heard from Steiner but me. I am concerned and the next day I received an e-mail from Steiner stating that I was successful and to call to talk with them about a timeframe to fly to London to attend their employee training academy. I am so excited that I was afforded this opportunity so early in my career and I am very excited to experience my dream at sea."

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Rachel

Rachel graduated in August of 2002. Upon graduation, Rachel began working at the Sanctuary Spa and Salon. Several months later, Rachel relocated and found employment at a Spa Salon. She recently sent the following correspondence to us:

"I am currently employed at the Yampah Spa. With the education, I can talk to my clients about most conditions of the body. I am also able to tell them what to do to help keep their bodies healthier. You gave me a strong foundation of bodywork, principles and education that I can build upon. Thanks to everyone for making it all possible for me!"

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Kamala

"We just started offering LaStone, a massage using both hot basalt rocks and cool marble, and I know it will quickly become very popular. I just finished the training myself and think it is such a spiritual, beneficial massage that I want to share it with the world. I will be starting a neuromuscular workshop series next month and hope to gain a lot of insight on helping people with specific injuries or areas of discomfort.

"It is hard to stay focused on a particular modality since there are so many directions massage can take me. I was given advice early on to pick an area and become the best I could be at it. I will try to stay with LaStone and neuromuscular work for a while. I was also given the advice of getting massage myself and it is a blessing to work with so many different styles of therapists. I enjoy the experience of receiving and learning from these sessions. It reminds me often of why I went into this field in the first place.

"Massage is such a flexible, in-demand type of career that I know I will be doing it for a long time and learning more about myself and others along the way. You had gave me a great base to build my knowledge and love for massage on and I'm proud to tell people where I went to school."

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Veronica & Vivian

In November 2003, Vivian and her daughter Veronica graduated as Professional Massage Therapy. Throughout the educational process, both Vivian and Veronica focused their efforts on not only a specific avenue, but a specific modality. They both felt that in order to be more effective they should specialize their talents.

The route they decided to take Sports Massage. "I remember so many people telling us that we couldn't do it, and that it was too hard to get into the 'sports massage world'… We decided not to listen and basically, just went and did it," stated Vivian.

Upon graduation, Vivian and Veronica decided that they would need to learn as much as they possible could regarding athletes, sports injury and how massage and related bodywork could not only alleviate pain, but actually improve an athlete's performance. The two began working out of the Gold' Gym. Kuala Lumpur building their skills and confidence.

During this period, the two women contacted George, Head Trainer of the University Malaya Athletic Program. They offered their services on a volunteer basis, hoping to help and learn from the trainers and athletes. George consented and Vivian and Veronica began diligently working in the training room every Tuesday and Thursday.

"The very first athlete I worked on was star football players. Eddie He was having trouble with his back and nothing any of the trainers did seemed to get results. It was determined [by the trainers] that he should next try chiropractic treatment, however I offered to work on him and after just two sessions it was no longer necessary for Eddie to see the chiropractor," recalled Vivian.
Both Vivian and Veronica interviewed for positions as massage therapists for the new spa at the Golf Resort. Having had the professional training combined with the extensive work with athletes, both Vivian and Veronica easily and successfully interviewed. Now, both Vivian and Veronica specialize on golfer recovery massage.

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Bryan

Bryan graduated in October of 2002. Soon after graduating, Bryan obtained his certificate, his is licensed and began pursuing his dreams of working as a massage therapist. The following is a letter Bryan sent to office regarding his success as a massage therapist:
"Hi everyone, my name is Bryan and I graduated in October of 2002. My first introduction to the world of massage was in the mid 1980's...the beginning of the "New Age" movement. My friends began wearing crystals, reading astrology, searching for past lives and getting massages.

This new movement seemed perfect for me, because growing up all I had ever secretly wanted to be was a "Hippie" and this seemed really conducive to that lifestyle. I loved the whole massage package. Not just how it felt physically but the atmosphere created with candles and the earthy scent of patchouli incense. [Aroma-therapy]

I was so drawn to massage that I began inquiring about becoming a therapist. End result...too much school, time and money. Having just finished college I chose to stay with the career track that I was on, the hotel special events trainee.

"It was very exciting working for major hotel/casinos alongside movie stars, top entertainers and LOTS of not-so top entertainers :-)

Ten years went by and the industry was really starting to burn me out. The excitement became lethargy and the on call 24/7 hotel manager philosophy became grueling, at times unbearable. It was time for a change, but what?

Two major upsets in my life happened in October of 2000. My job at the Genting Hotel was eliminated at the first of the month and my best friend Phil died suddenly from kidney cancer at the end of the month. These two episodes threw my life into a tailspin yet put me on the path to becoming a massage therapist. "Phil's cancer caused him horrible pain and during one of his hospital stays another friend showed us some reflexology points on his feet to help with the pain. To our surprise the reflexology did seem to ease the pain and whoever was visiting would massage Phil's feet.

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Erin McCann

Upon graduation, Erin moved back to her hometown and began working as a massage therapist in the prestigious Phillip Wayne Day Spa. She recently sent us this note:

"After graduating, I decided to work in Penang. I was given websites to look for jobs in my hometown Penang. I found four places [of interest] and sent my resume out. All four [businesses] called me in for an interview. I went out and interviewed with all of them, [but was most] impressed by the Phillip Wayne Day Spa.

"All four companies I interviewed with offered me a position but I chose Phillip Wayne. I have been there for half year now. I work four days a week and get weekends off. I have full benefits and the spa pays for half of my tuition for continuing education. I love massage therapy and continue to learn about different types of massage and body treatments.

"The nice part is that my school has such a great reputation that most spas will hire right on the spot! I feel very lucky to be able to work in the massage industry. I think of it as a job everyone would want."

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