by Jason VonGerichten

A few weeks ago, Soma hosted its first ever Career Fair. We had CEU providers, raffles, prizes, and we had several employers to talk to our students and alumni. We followed up with four of them following the Career Fair to ask a few more questions. These representatives were from:

Hand and Stone. “A massage and facial spa which is part of a franchise of the same name. We are 1 of 215 locations around the U.S. And the first one in Chicago.”

Fitness Formula Clubs. “Established in 1984 and is Chicago's largest, privately owned reciprocal usage provider of health, fitness and wellness facilities.  We offer top notch facilities and amenities and provide service to our members and support for our employees that is second to none.”

Urban Oasis. “An upscale massage therapy spa, employing 65 massage therapists, situated in two Zen-like, north side Chicago locations.”

Spa In Your Space. “A full-service Mobile Spa that provides on-site Spa services for private and corporate groups. We offer Chair Massage, Table Massage, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures and more.”

My first question was: What do you look for in a new employee?

Fitness Formula Clubs: FFC is seeking talented, entrepreneurial, dynamic, and responsible therapists to cater to the needs of our active, athletic, and discerning membership base.

Urban Oasis: Good technical skills but, just as importantly, someone passionate about massage with a caring attitude and a knack for connecting with clients.
Spa In Your Space: With new employees we look for individuals that are professional, great personalities, trainable and can work in different environments. Keeping in mind we are a Mobile Spa and work in homes, offices, hotels and other sites being professional and able to work in different environments is a must.

Have you ever hired a Soma graduate?

Hand and Stone: When our spa opened three months ago there were only two Soma grads working there.  The rest of our MT's were from elsewhere and the differences are truly staggering. Since becoming Lead Massage Therapist and encouraging my manager to attend the job fair, we have hired two more Soma grads with another few hopefully being hired soon.
Fitness Formula Clubs: We have hired many Soma graduates who have had great success at FFC.
Urban Oasis: We’ve probably hired a dozen Soma grads over the years.

Spa In Your Space: Yes, we have hired several Soma graduates with great results.

And lastly, I asked them what they think makes a Soma graduate different from graduates from other schools.

Hand and Stone: Soma teaches stronger techniques, more secure draping, and a level of professionalism that is clearly not stressed at other schools. I sincerely hope that we can be fully staffed by Soma grads soon. When I own my own Hand & Stone next year I fully intend to hire only Soma Graduates.
Fitness Formula Clubs: Soma graduates have been a very good match for FFC's members in that they are very prepared, and approach massage from a clinical perspective. Soma graduates' awareness of kinesiology and body movement seems to really resonate with our clientele.

Urban Oasis: I have found the Soma grads to be a little more prepared for employment, with better therapeutic skills.
Spa In Your Space: Soma graduates seem to be better prepared in dealing with the clients and understanding the concept of time and professionalism. They are also very eager to work. Also, in our business, being punctual and showing excitement is very important and seems to be instilled in the Soma graduates we have hired. This is also the reason why we tend to favor them more.

We really enjoyed having these fine folks at our first ever Career Fair, and would like to thank them again for their time. If you want any more information about any of the businesses mentioned, just follow the links above.

And if they made Soma sound like the massage school for you, schedule a visit with one of our admissions representatives today!

Jason VonGerichten – Instructor

“I love working with students who come from all walks of life, and I love that they have come together with one common goal: to learn how to make a profound impact on the lives of others. I very much believe that only Soma can fully prepare them for that. Here at Soma we delve deeply into the methods needed to work in a clinical setting, where real change can take place. We also teach students how to use their clinical tools and techniques in a therapeutic setting, where change can take place, too. I’m very happy to be a part of this process, and I hope whatever positive influence I have over my students gets paid forward in some small way, from me to my students to their clients and onward.”