Past SERC student shares work experience with Steiner to Beauty Therapy Students

Former SERC student Rachel McMichael returned to SERC’s Lisburn Campus to share her experience with current NVQ beauty therapy students about working for Steiner, a company that operates luxurious spas onboard renowned cruise ships that travel all over the world.

It was through SERC that Rachel found out about Steiner and got the unique opportunity to work for the company and travel the world.

After completing her A-Levels in 2015, Rachel left school and enrolled onto the Level 2 NVQ diploma in beauty therapy at SERC and progressed to the Level 3 diploma. As a result of her qualifications, determination and hard work, Rachel was a finalist for the British Education Awards earlier this year.  

During Rachel's studies, SERC tutors organised a recruiter from Steiner to visit SERC and give a presentation about the company and the opportunities available for the beauty students. Rachel applied and was accepted on to one of their cruise ships, working and living onboard as one of the cruise lines beauty therapists.

Rachel set sail around the East and West Caribbean for nine months, travelling to locations such as Belize, Key West, Costa Maya and Honduras. As part of her service, Rachel specialised in electrical facials but also offered other lavish treatments such as massages and waxes.

Rachel’s presentation to the students included a Q and A, where she answered any questions they had about working within the beauty industry.

Speaking about her experience, Rachel said, “Studying at SERC has really opened up a lot of doors for me within the beauty industry. My confidence grew immensely throughout my course under the excellent tutelage I received from my lecturers." 

“My lecturers also helped me prepare for my interview with Steiner, which made the process a lot less daunting. It is thanks to SERC that I got the opportunity to travel and develop my skills whilst earning a wage and learning about a different culture and lifestyle.”