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Have you ever heard of the quote, “love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life”? I have, but I never understood the meaning until I started my mentorship program at Daybreak Salon & Spa.

Choosing a career path to pursue in college will probably seem like one of the biggest decisions in your life, but I am here to tell you that it is not. If you have a passion for something you value and a determined mindset to achieve it, your career will find you. And that is how I landed in the Communications and Public Relations industry at a beauty salon.

As I started my career with Daybreak back in August of 2019, I thought I was only going to be a part-time worker on their guest services team while focusing primarily on my academics, but I found myself falling in love with my role more every day. From providing upmost customer service to every guest that walked in, to promote the salon’s loyalty program on their smartphone app, to working with social media platforms to advertise the luxury beauty services provided by our Aveda professionals, counting inventory for products traveling in and out of the salon, and educating myself to know the best fit for each client, I found myself a part of the business behind the beauty and I wanted more.

Working at one of Aveda’s top one-hundred elite salons is a dream as I have interests in all thing’s beauty. Who knew I could make an internship out of it?

As a scholar studying this subject matter at the University of Michigan – Dearborn, I have come across a variety of clients in the professional world who are what they teach. They not only take pride in working for their company, but they do so in a manner where they are proud to BE their company. The company that educates them, listens to them, provides common interests, values their culture, and creates an upbeat and diverse environment for them to thrive in every single day; this is what Daybreak has done for me.

ADVICE FOR LETTING YOUR PASSION FIND YOU

Know that it is okay to be undecided

As I have mentioned before, figuring out what you want to pursue for the rest of your life is a huge decision to make, but one that should not stop you from switching up your ambitions to reach your dreams. Take your time in college. Start with your pre-requisite classes and allow for that to create your academic understanding of each individual major program your school has to offer. Beginning with small steps will give you the assurance that you are going the right direction.

Start with your interests, and go from there

Want to pursue a degree in medicine because you grew up with a passion of helping others? Do it. Want to go into law enforcement because you want to make the world a better place? Do it. Want to be the traveling sports reporter on ESPN because you grew up with a love for sports? Do it. Find what you love and let it guide you. If you think about it, every contribution to our society has a business attached to it, therefore, you should always do what you love.

Connect with a mentor

Creating a relationship with a professional who has experience in the field you may want to study is vital. I have done this at Daybreak Salon & Spa, and it has led me to where I am today- on the business side of the beauty industry. Ever hear of marketing, sales, promotional advertising, critical thinking, and crisis management in a salon? I wasn’t familiar with those details until I met my mentor. Your mentor will guide you down the right path to your future career, even if you realize that their job is not for you.

Take advantage of every opportunity

Throughout the journey of finding your passion, you will be given several opportunities along the way. Whether it’s a class regarding the basics of that field, an organization that specializes in correlating skills, meeting with your advisor to discuss career options, or an internship that will provide you a glimpse of life in the professional world, it is important to say “yes” and to fulfill these possibilities. My personal interest did not start after I chose my major, but rather before and during my college years. I knew I loved business when receiving an internship right out of high school. I knew I loved public speaking as it was my favorite course. I knew I loved marketing when I became a member of the American Marketing Association, and I knew I loved the beauty industry when I walked into Daybreak Salon & Spa. These opportunities will allow you to grow and figure out what you want as you become a professional yourself.

Feel free to connect with me if you are looking for more advice while figuring out the steps to your forever adventure. And remember … let your passion find your career and you will never work a day in your life!

Blog post by Let’s Detroit Campus Ambassador, Jennifer Fent. Jennifer is a communications and public relations major at University of Michigan-Dearborn. Click here to connect with her!