Question on Experience

simranpatelsimranpatel Member
in Career
Hi!

I'm currently a student who wants to work in the cosmetic chemistry field - more focused on product management and formulation in the R&D department.  Would working as a medical assistant at a cosmetic medical spa be helpful in terms of experience? I'm trying to get as much experience and connections as I can get before continuing onto my masters.

Thank you so much! Have a great day!

Comments

  • BelassiBelassi Member
    Not in my opinion.
    Cosmetic Brand Creation. Concept to name to IMPI search to logo and brand registration. In-house graphic design inc. Pantone specs. Cosmetic label and box design & graphics.
  • chemicalmattchemicalmatt Member, Professional Chemist
    Contradicting my amigo Belassi here: working in a setting that exposes you to direct product application with final customers may be an invaluable experience when you get down to formulating products for the high-end skin care market. E.g. I've never used or seen azelaic acid 15% applied to a patient-consumer, I just studied it and formulated. I'd have a better understanding of its melanocyte inhibitor mechanism if I'd witnessed the application and actual final results.
  • MarkBroussardMarkBroussard Member, Professional Chemist
    @simranpatel:

    Certainly if you are an esthetician that would be useful experience as a grounding for cosmetic chemistry & formulating.  What are you currently studying?

    Getting a job with a contract manufacturer would be even better to get some experience and then going on to a Masters degree in Cosmetic Chemistry.
    Chemist/Microbiologist formulating in the Organic & Naturals arena under ECOCert/Natural Products Assn/Whole Foods/National Organic Program guidelines focused skincare & haircare products. 

    See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
  • chemicalmattchemicalmatt Member, Professional Chemist
    Mark has a good point and I'll welcome you to the Contract Manufacturing Vortex from which I have yet to emerge after 30+ years.
  • simranpatelsimranpatel Member
    @MarkBroussard Hi Mark! I'm currently studying Chemistry as my major and I'm also minoring in Business Administration. I'll definitely look into contract manufacturing, hopefully they're hiring right now! Thank you so much!
  • simranpatelsimranpatel Member
    @chemicalmatt Hi Matt! Contract manufacturing is something I was suggested to before, I have no idea where to start looking (especially in the cosmetic science career field). Thank you for this suggestion!
  • EVchemEVchem Member
    What exactly does a medical assistant at a spa do?
    Working as some kind of lab tech or qc position will help but is more standard route. Most places appreciate having an R&D person who can reliably interface with clients and help sell so a spa position might work to your advantage there.

     Contract manufacturing stops for nothing, pandemic or not from my experience. Get on Linkedin if you aren't already and look for formulation chemist positions to find companies would be my suggestion.
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