Class Act: The Career School Podcast shares the real stories of school owners and directors changing lives through education. Powered by Peak Enrollment, each episode explores how career schools are built, the lives they impact, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you run a school or dream of launching one, you’ll hear inspiring stories, practical growth tips, and ways to boost enrollment — all in one place.
From Dead-End Jobs to Skilled Careers: How Symbol Training Institute Changes Futures
Welcome to another episode of Class Act, the Career School podcast, where host Atta German dives deep into the world of technical education and transformative career paths. In this episode, Atta German sits down with Tom Peters, Director of Workforce Development at Symbol Training Institute in Chicago, a unique family-run trade school changing lives through hands-on industrial training.
Unlike the typical cosmetology or dental assisting schools featured before, Symbol Training Institute specializes in preparing students for careers in high-demand fields like CNC machining and industrial maintenance. Tom Peters shares inspiring stories of students who have not only found new skills, but have completely turned their lives around - moving from dead-end jobs or challenging personal circumstances to rewarding, stable careers with real impact.
You'll learn how Symbol’s approach stands apart from traditional college paths by offering immersive, hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials within just four months. The Institute’s mission and family legacy, originating from an immigrant’s journey and need for skilled talent, provide the foundation for its ongoing success and national alumni network.
22 Oct 2025
Transforming Lives: Lash Training Center’s Journey from Student to Salon Owner
Welcome to another episode of Class Act, the Career School podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Atta German and Anna Shirokova dive deep into the world of beauty entrepreneurship, focusing on the booming field of lash extensions. Anna, the owner and founder of the Lash Training Center in San Diego, shares her journey from college student to accomplished beauty business owner, detailing the inspiration behind starting her training center and the unique value her program offers.
Together, they explore the transformative experiences of Anna’s students - from recent high school grads searching for direction, to professionals seeking a fresh start, to existing beauty industry veterans adding a lucrative skill to their toolkit. Anna also offers invaluable insights into the practical and entrepreneurial benefits of lash certification, the importance of licensing, and her personalized, hands-on approach to education that sets her program apart.
Whether you’re curious about kickstarting a career in the beauty industry, eager for more flexibility and independence, or simply fascinated by stories of student success and business growth, this episode is packed with advice, real-life stories, and actionable tips for anyone considering a career pivot, or helping someone who is.
30 Sept 2025
From Student to Celebrity Esthetician: Transformative Journeys at The Cosmetology Institute New Orleans
Welcome back to another episode of Class Act, the Career School podcast! In today’s episode, Atta sits down with Lauren Lewis, the passionate and trailblazing founder of the Cosmetology Institute in New Orleans. With over 19 years of experience in cosmetology and nearly two decades as an educator, Lauren shares her inspiring journey and the unique mission of her school, which is deeply rooted in entrepreneurship, community impact, and providing real alternatives to traditional education paths. We dive into student success stories, innovative program offerings like alternative hair design, and the heartfelt reasons behind Lauren’s commitment to creating a family-oriented, accessible learning environment. Whether you’re considering a new career, exploring entrepreneurship, or just curious about how beauty education can transform lives, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s get started!
23 Sept 2025
The Ivy League of Beauty Schools: Student Transformations and Real Careers at Derma Academy
Welcome back to Class Act, the Career School podcast, where we spotlight inspiring stories of growth, resilience, and transformation through career education. In today’s episode, host Atta German sits down with Julie Berham, director and owner of Durham Academy in North Carolina - a school renowned for its high standards and commitment to student success in the beauty industry. Julie opens up about the academy’s unique approach to student transformation, sharing heartwarming stories, including that of a graduate who overcame life-threatening challenges thanks to the opportunities offered by career education. From building strong professional habits to unlocking new life paths, Durham Academy’s impact goes far beyond teaching skincare. If you’re curious about how a career-focused education can change lives, or if you’re considering a bold career shift yourself, this episode is one you won’t want to miss
17 Sept 2025
From Students to Leaders: Life-Changing Careers at Capital Beauty School in Omaha
Welcome back to Class Act, the Career School podcast! In today’s episode, host Atta German sits down with Chelsea Claus from Capital Beauty School in Omaha, Nebraska—a school that’s been transforming lives for over 100 years. Chelsea shares the fascinating legacy of Capital Beauty, from being the Midwest’s first school to introduce aesthetics, to their ongoing mission of empowering students at every stage of life. You’ll hear inspiring stories of students who have overcome incredible challenges, the variety of career paths available to graduates, and the innovative, community-driven approach that’s kept Capital Beauty thriving for a century. Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent, or just curious about the power of career-focused education, this episode offers a heartfelt look into how hands-on learning, passion, and purpose can create lasting change.
9 Sept 2025
Changing Careers and Changing Lives: The Legacy of Carlson College of Massage Therapy
Welcome back to Class Act: The Career School Podcast! In this episode, host Atta German sits down with Chris Rider, the director and owner of Carlson College Massage Therapy School - the longest-standing massage therapy school in Iowa. Together, they explore the unique student community at Carlson College, from recent high school grads to retirees and everyone in between, and how massage therapy can fit into every stage of life. Chris shares her personal journey from graduating in the '90s to stepping into the role of school owner, along with inspiring stories of students transforming their lives through this hands-on, meaningful profession. Whether you’re curious about alternative career paths, interested in the flexibility and impact of massage therapy, or seeking actionable enrollment advice, this conversation is packed with insights, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement. Stick around for expert advice on navigating the world of career schools - and don’t miss the special enrollment tips linked in the show notes!
4 Sept 2025
Transforming Lives Through Aesthetics: Inside the Academy of Skin and Beauty with Jackie David
Welcome back to another episode of Class Act: The Career School Podcast! Today, host Atta German sits down with Jackie David, director and owner of the Academy of Skin and Beauty - an innovative school transforming the face of aesthetics education. In this conversation, Jackie shares her journey from career-shifting mom to school founder, how her academy empowers students of all ages (from first-timers to career switchers), and the importance of building not just technical skills but also confidence, business savvy, and real-world readiness.
Whether students want to open their own spas, work in medical settings, or find their niche in the booming beauty industry, Jackie’s holistic approach is helping them turn passion into purpose, and sustainable careers. Hear her candid stories about overcoming the hurdles of launching a licensed school, what makes her educators and curriculum unique, and why she believes trade schools like hers are powerful alternatives to traditional college paths.
If you’re curious about careers in aesthetics, considering a career change, or simply want to hear how one school owner is making a difference in her community, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!
26 Aug 2025
Fast-Track to Fulfillment: The Impact of Career Schools on Dental Assisting Futures
On today’s episode of Class Act: The Career School Podcast, host Atta German sits down with Lisa Lyle, founder of the Dental Auxiliary Training Center (DATC) and a passionate champion for vocational education. Since the 1970s, Lisa has been opening doors for people seeking meaningful careers outside the traditional college route, helping thousands transform their lives through dental assisting. In this candid conversation, Lisa shares how her four-month, affordable evening program is designed for “non-traditional” students - often parents and those stuck in low-wage jobs, and why she believes career schools offer vital, realistic pathways to professional growth. You'll hear about the hidden career ladders in dental assisting, the growing demand for trained professionals, and memorable success stories from Lisa's decades of teaching.
Whether you’re considering a new direction, curious about how career education can change lives, or inspired by stories of resilience and reinvention, this episode will leave you rethinking what it means to build a future and why, sometimes, taking a chance on a less-traveled path makes all the difference. Tune in now!
19 Aug 2025
From Classroom to Film Set: Training the Next Generation of Makeup Artists
Welcome to the very first episode of Class Act: The Career School Podcast, powered by Peak Enrollment! In this kickoff conversation, host Atta German sits down with Lindsay Novotny, founder of the School of Makeup Effects in New Jersey - a unique and unconventional career school that’s been shaping futures for over 12 years. You’ll hear inspiring stories of students from all walks of life who found their creative home, overcame self-doubt, and launched careers in film, television, and beyond thanks to Lindsay’s guidance.
Lindsay shares the school’s origin story, from her early days struggling to find education in special effects makeup on the East Coast, to building her own program from scratch. She opens up about the ongoing challenges of running a private, non-traditional career school - like navigating regulations, breaking through the “starving artist” stigma, and helping students access affordable training in a hands-on, creative field.
If you’ve ever wondered how creative career schools can truly change lives, or if there’s more to life after high school than a traditional four-year college, this episode will inspire you. We’ll explore the realities, opportunities, and impact of trade-focused education, and why breaking the stigma around artistic career paths is more important now than ever. Don’t miss Lindsay’s practical insights, heartfelt stories, and advice for both students and school owners hoping to make a difference.
10 Jul 2025
COMING SOON: Class Act: The Career School Podcast
Coming soon: Class Act: The Career School Podcast, where we spotlight the educators and entrepreneurs changing lives through career education.
Powered by Peak Enrollment, this podcast is your source for real stories, real growth, and practical tips to build a school that thrives.
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