1. What is Beacon… and Why Should You Care?
(School administrators/instructors): Thank you for presenting about the Beacon program to your students! This program was designed to help your students prepare to enter the workforce AND to give them the opportunity to compete against the nation’s most promising students. We appreciate your encouragement! Please feel free to use the script that accompanies each slide in this presentation, found below)
Hello, students! We are going to spend the next few minutes talking about a popular student competition called Beacon. The Beacon program has been around for more than 15 years and has a reputation for attracting the nation’s top students, so you definitely want to pay attention and consider entering. (Slide change)

2. Beacon is a Competition + Event
What is Beacon… and Why Should You Care?
Beacon is a Competition + Event
300 students are invited to attend a life-changing event in Las Vegas
Beacon students meet industry icons, attend the hottest events, and network with peers
But you have to enter if you want to attend…
Many of you have expressed an interest in competitions, and this program is a great opportunity to jump in and get experience.
So, what is Beacon? Beacon is commonly described as a “life changing” event. Students who go to Beacon connect with peers and industry icons, attend renowned beauty events, and experience classes designed to jump start their new careers.
BUT, if you want to attend the event, first you have to enter the competition. The Beacon competition is a business-building competition that prepares students for employment by requiring them to create exciting and innovative projects. Everyone in the room is probably eligible to enter, but visit probeauty.org/beacon to check the requirements. (Slide change)
Visit probeauty.org/beacon to check eligibility

3. MANY BENEFITS! Why Enter? SO Attend Beacon in Las Vegas
What is Beacon… and Why Should You Care?
Attend Beacon in Las Vegas
Impress Employers
PBA Membership Included
STAY INFORMED & CONNECT
Stay informed on what's happening
Access to the PBA Member Lounge
EVENTS, EDUCATION & COMPETITIONS  Discounted admission to:
International Salon & Spa Expo Long Beach
Cosmoprof North America
North American Hairstyling Awards
IECSC Florida
STUDENT RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
A library of resources, services and guides
Free subscriptions to American Salon
25% off MiladyPro.com
5% off at Sally Beauty Supply
ADVOCATE & VOLUNTEER
Serve as a PBA State Captain
Participate in the CUT IT OUT® program SO
MANY
BENEFITS!
At this point you are all probably thinking, “Cool. But what’s in it for me?” There are a lot of reasons you should get ready to enter Beacon immediately.
The first is one we already discussed, which is the Beacon event. You cannot attend this event without winning the competition and you definitely want to attend. Former Beacon speakers include, Vivienne Mackinder, Sam Villa, Charlie Price, Stefanie Kolcielski, Tabatha Coffey and so many other industry greats. The lineup each year is also packed with business professionals presenting on the most impactful ways to start and build a career in beauty. You will leave having made incredible connections and with an action plan for success. (Note to instructors: if you or any students in the room have been to Beacon- this would be a great time to share personal experiences.)
Another reason you should be excited to enter Beacon is the opportunity to impress future employers- something you should be thinking about every day. Entering Beacon provides you with a more global view of the industry, with a context outside of your school. Employers LOVE to meet students who have researched the industry, explored various career options and who have portfolio items to present. You will have all of this after entering Beacon.
Although there are a lot more reasons to enter, the last one we’ll mention is that by entering Beacon, you become a member of a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the beauty industry. As PBA Student member you will enjoy benefits that come with being part of a national organization including discounts to events, subscriptions to trade publications, a library of resources, representation in DC from our lobbyists and so much more. Be part of the movement to elevate beauty. Join PBA. (Slide change)

4. What You Need to Enter Great news!
What is Beacon… and Why Should You Care?
What You Need to Enter
Professional Resume
Creative document summarizing education, qualifications & experience
Great news!
These entry items, together called your “professional portfolio” were hand-picked to prepare you for employment.
After creating your Beacon entry you’ll be better prepared to begin your career!
Letter of Recommendation
Letter from a school administrator or professional contact highlighting your qualifications, skills & abilities
Portfolio of Images
Three images showcasing your talent in your chosen career path
Let’s take a quick look at what you need to submit to enter.
A complete entry requires you to submit a resume, a letter of recommendation from a professional contact, 3 portfolio images, and a marketing piece outlining your career goals. We are not going to review these items in detail today because the website has tons of resources you can download and review on your own time.
Keep in mind that these requirements for entering were all selected because they are tools that will help you tremendously in your job search. By crafting this professional portfolio you will be positioned to secure employment! (slide change)
Professional Marketing Piece
Highlight your career goals within the beauty industry
Visit probeauty.org/beacon/enter for tips & resources to make your entry amazing!

5. probeauty.org/beacon/enter for insider tips and sample documents
Visit
probeauty.org/beacon/enter
for insider tips and sample documents
What is Beacon… and Why Should You Care?
What You Need to Enter
Professional Resume
Creative document summarizing education, qualifications & experience
Letter of Recommendation
Letter from a school administrator or professional contact highlighting your qualifications, skills & abilities
Portfolio of Images
Three images showcasing your talent in your chosen career path
Make sure to use the resources PBA provides. Visit this website (probeauty.org/beacon/enter) to see sample resumes, tips for entering and videos from the event. (Slide change)
Professional Marketing Piece
Highlight your career goals within the beauty industry

6. You’re Entering. What’s Next?
What is Beacon… and Why Should You Care?
You’re Entering. What’s Next?
probeauty.org/beacon
Submit your entry online between November 13, 2017 – February 15, 2018
create your best entry
Use tools & resources PBA provides
/professionalbeautyassociation
Like PBA on Facebook to find out if you won! Watch announcement on April 23, 2018
Hopefully everyone sees the value in entering Beacon. So… what’s next?
- First, start working on your entry components- don’t wait until the last minute!
- Next, submit your awesome work online between the November, 2017 and February 15th, 2018
- Between 900 and 1200 students will enter and 300 will be selected as either a winner or an honorable mention. Find PBA on Facebook and tune in on April 23rd, 2018 to see if you are one of the 300 students who is invited to attend Beacon!
- FINALLY, attend the Beacon event! Beacon takes place July 28-30, 2018 in Las Vegas! We hope to see you there!
Entering Beacon costs $50 and includes a 1-year PBA Student membership!
attend beacon 2018
In Las Vegas, Nevada
July 28 – 30, 2018
Visit probeauty.org/beacon to learn more and enter!

7. Thank you for listening! For more information contact :
Kelley McCarthy (480)
probeauty.org/beacon
For more information, contact Kelley McCarthy at the Professional Beauty Association.
We look forward to seeing everyone’s work!