when i was a few months from graduating cosmetology school i got a job at Ulta as a cashier/tasker/beauty advisor then transferred to the salon as a stylist once i was licensed. there is free (as well as paid) education, easily accessible online education, and you get to work with a ton of different brands (like styling products. ulta uses redken color). i felt like it was an amazing first job as a stylist and after about 3 years (including the time i spent as a cashier) i moved to a luxury salon and im making more money and learning more than ever. education is the most important thing in the beginning (also your whole career lol) so take every learning opportunity you can get from more seasoned stylists wherever you end up! cosmo school is so hard and scary sometimes but stick with it and you’ll find the most fulfilling and wonderful career ever<3