Yosh for hair, L Salon, and Stilo. Sushi, salmon, and cider.

The list reads like attendees of a prestigious hair convention and the hors d’oeuvres served there. Instead, these were some of the elements Skyline cosmetology students came into contact with at the Cosmetology Career Fair on Nov. 8 at the college.

The cosmetology department holds the annual career fair to give students an opportunity to translate the skills they learn in the classrooms into potential professions. Instructors guide the students in this goal by taking measures such as making attendance mandatory as well as requiring that each student attend with an updated copy of their resume in hand.

“Students get an hour-long class on how to prepare resumes and interview,” said Kathleen Gagnier, co-chair of the fair and Skyline cosmetology student. Gagnier was a former worker in the human resources field and taught the resume/interview workshop.

Out of the 150 salons and spas invited, about 50 percent attended, a figure both Gagnier and fellow co-chair Kelly Morgan were very pleased with.

“It is productive for both students and owners,” said Gagnier. “It is an opportunity for salon owners to network with each other.”

Students attending the career fair were excited about meeting and learning about the different salons, and found that salons were very enthusiastic about meeting prospective future employees as well.

“It opens up more opportunities,” said Carrie Chow, a student who was attending the event for the first time. “People [from the salons] just come up and talk to you.”

“It is a better starting point than going straight to the salon,” said Elaine Nicdao from L Salon and former Skyline student. “The career fair starts you off. You can meet someone and figure out whether you hit it off or not.”

The salon representatives cited Skyline’s reputation and credibility as being one of the factors in their decision to attend the event.

“We won’t hire from just any school,” said Eka Gani from Stilo Salon. “Skyline cosmetology has a good reputation.” Gani is one of five former Skyline students that work at the San Mateo salon.

This year’s fair theme was “glitz and glamour” and the event was coordinated appropriately, complete with a Marilyn Monroe impersonator.

Aside from the main area in which salons set up booths to meet with students, there was also a separate refreshment area, giving students and salon representatives the ability to network and mingle with each other in a more casual setting. A silent auction in the back gave students the opportunity to bid on products donated from sponsors like MAC Cosmetics.

The Skyline cosmetology department has been training students for over 35 years in services ranging from cut and color to facial and spa services. The program has a pass rate for state board licensure that exceeds 90 percent.

Cosmetology can be reached at (650) 738-4165 for questions or appointments for the many services provided.