In this Alumni Spotlight we caught up with Heidi Ingram, graduate of the 9 month Massage Therapist training program who currently works at Elements Massage in Concord, Ohio.
What where you doing prior to enrollment? What made you enroll in school?
Prior to enrollment I was chronically underemployed. Taking whatever jobs were available. Finding myself in retail and food services and still not making the bills. I always knew I needed to get back to school.
Where have you worked since you graduated and where do you currently work? What is your title?
I am currently stationed at Elements Massage in Concord, Ohio. I also have my brand “Heidi Bea Holistic Healing” available out of my home. I am licensed for Ohio and Pennsylvania and plan to keep renewing both.
What types of things do you do there day to day?
I walk into a backroom that smells like essential oils. I get towels warmed and ready, set my room up with my tip envelope and a peppermint patty for each client. Then I usually check my notes on my clients for the day. I’m typically fully booked which is two 90 minute and two 60 minute sessions. Then when the massage is over I reset the room for the next one. That takes a few minutes and then I get a ten minute break for myself. The end of the day is reset, restock.
What do you like about your career?
My career is the best. I get to be in a calm and relaxing environment for 6 hours out of the day and get paid THREE TIMES what I used to make running myself into the ground. I do not dread workdays anymore!
What did you like most about attending Great Lakes? How did Great Lakes prepare you for your job?
Signing on at Great Lakes was a turning point in my life. I love that it isn’t a big box college. I had the most passionate and experienced instructors. I had everything I needed to pass the MBLEX, but most importantly I was supported. I highly recommend GLIT.
What are your career goals for the future?
My career is the best because it can take my anywhere. I’m keeping massage licenses for Ohio and Pennsylvania so I can travel and work if I so please. Right now I’m very happy at Elements but I still like to keep all my options open!
What advice can you give current students and new graduates that can help them be successful?
Don’t Stop. Don’t get hard on yourself that it’s tough and you’re not going to make it until the end. Put school first. The courses will come and go and before you know it you’ll be living the life you once dreamed of.
