Jennifer Herakova

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name’s Jennifer Herakova, I’m 17 years old and I study on the Level 2 Cosmetic Make-Up course at Newcastle College…and that’s pretty much it! 

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day prior to starting at the College? If so, did you find it useful?

When I first came to an Open Event at Newcastle College, it was for a completely different course. I was always interested in going into the military, so when I first enrolled at the College I was on the Entry to the Uniformed Public Services course. I did that course for a year, but I didn’t see myself continuing on for a second year to complete the full programme, so I started looking at my other options. In the end, my mam found the Make-Up course – I didn’t initially think of myself as a Make-Up student, but once I switched to the Hair, Beauty and Make-Up department, I realised that this course was much more suitable for me, and that changed the entire idea I had for myself and my future career. I’m so glad I switched though, it’s been really helpful to me! 

What made you decide to come to the College and enrol on your chosen course?

I really love the opportunities that I’m given on my course. When I began on the Make-Up programme, I was put onto a work placement by the College, which I realised was a lot better for me than I was initially expecting. I was good at doing make-up before, but now my tutors give me the opportunity to compete in local and national competitions to show off my skills, which has made the experience a really interesting one for me since I feel like it’s getting me ready for industry while also improving my skills. 

How would you describe the advice and support you've received from the College staff and your tutors? Have you had any support from our Central Support Service?

I’ve got a lot of support from the College whenever I need help with anything, either personal or academic. My tutors give me a lot of leeway with my timetable, helping me shift around my classes since I can’t stay in college on some afternoons each week, which has helped to make sure the timetable suits my needs and preferences. I’m also on the Student Forum, which means I’ve received some help from (and do my best to help in return) the Student Services Team. The team helped me with my attendance, because the first few weeks of my course were a bit chaotic and I was getting marked down as absent when I was in classes, so I visited Student Services and within a day they had helped me to sort out the issue and chase my attendance back up on my record. 

Do you have any tutors with industry experience? If so, how has this helped you?

Yes, all of them do! My tutors always tell us stories about their past experiences in industry, such as doing make-up for weddings or doing brow lifting for events, and I do my best to apply that when I’m learning on campus or when I’m on my work placement. 

Did you ever look into financial support available from the College? If so, what support did you receive and how did it help you?

Yes – I get a full student bursary which covers my food while I’m on campus, as well as costs for equipment and trips linked to my course, and a bus pass to help me get to and from campus on days when I’m on-site. That support has all been really helpful for me, since I can focus on what I need to learn and not stress about other details.

Have you overcome any challenges while on your course? If so how has the college helped you?  

Not really, to be honest. My biggest challenge has been figuring out who I am and what I want to do in the long run, but my tutor’s been really supportive of me as I’ve been considering that option. She’s advised me on the different career paths that I can take, but she also makes sure she pushes me out of my comfort zone so I get the most out of my time at the College. 

What do you enjoy the most about your course?

The practical sessions and the free treatments I can do at The Retreat. In my practical sessions, I get to practice competition make-up and different types of make-up styles, like editorial, fashion magazine, drag and special effects styles. So far, my favourite has definitely been editorial make-up because it’s such a versatile category – you can literally to whatever kinds of designs you want, call it ‘editorial’ and be unlimited with your creativity!  

How do you feel that the course is benefitting you?

I’d say my course has benefitted me a lot so far because it’s really improved my confidence. Before I started on my Make-Up course, I would never volunteer for anything, but after I switched I’m now putting myself forward for every opportunity that comes my way, which is making me have a lot more belief in myself and feel great for it!  

Have you done any work experience or a work placement as part of your course?

For the last few months, I’ve been doing a work placement with Brow Wow Bar in Low Fell, which is nearby where I live so thankfully I don’t have to travel far. It’s still fairly early days on my placement, but I get to help them out by cleaning the shop after treatments, answering the phones to take bookings and getting the chance to practice fitting eyelashes on customers. I’m really enjoying my time there!  

What would you like to do when you finish your course? Would you consider studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

Right now I’m on the Level 2 Make-Up course, so when my current course finishes at the end of this year I want to progress onto the Level 3 Make-Up programme. After that, I’m planning to a degree in the beauty industry, ideally at Newcastle College University Centre, because it’s close to me and I already feel really comfortable with the tutors and support staff here at the College anyway, so I know I’ll do well and feel really supported.  

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’d like to open up my own salon or launch my own make-up brand! To start off, I’d love to build my own online portfolio so I can offer services to different types of people and get my name and brand out there. Once I’m more established in the industry, I want to focus on major event make-up, like weddings and proms, as well as additional beauty services like eyelash lifting, brow lamination, tanning and other treatments like that.  

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying a course with Newcastle College?

If you’re considering Newcastle College, go for it! It’s a good place to learn and study, and you’ll get a lot of support, but you should think carefully about what you actually want to do first. I don’t think it’s a good idea just to pick what courses your friends pick – you need to find your own interests and follow that hunch, it’ll usually lead you in the right direction! 

What are your top tips for being a student at Newcastle College?

Don’t stress if you didn’t get your dream GCSE grades – a lot of people at the College take English or maths resits, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to improve!  

Don’t worry about money – if you’re eligible for a bursary, the College will really help you with the details so you can just focus on learning and having a good time.