Massage therapy and sports-rehab students at Fremont enjoyed a guest lecture recently from Cruz Kim, manager of Burke Williams spa in Torrance. Speaking to nearly 40 students, Cruz discussed how to handle job interviews, clients and the industry outside Fremont College.

Cruz, who stressed the importance of customer service in the profession throughout the 30-minute lecture, has more than seven years of experience in the field, having maintained his own private practice in New York as well as worked as a bartender and waiter before moving to California and transitioning into his management position at the upscale spa.

As the man who is used to conducting interviews, Cruz stressed to Fremont students the importance of interview preparation: “Be willing to demonstrate [your techniques] on the interviewer.” Additionally, he suggested students conduct research on the organization before going in. He emphasized that confidence was key to nailing an interview, reminding students: “You’re interviewing the employer as much as they’re interviewing you.”

For their part, Fremont students were open to his message. They shared their fears concerning the interview process, suggested strategies for getting experience in the field and participated in client-therapist role-play.

Jobs for massage therapists and sports rehab practitioners abound. Massage therapists can cultivate private practices (but don’t forget to factor in laundry and gas bills, commute time and the fact that you have to file quarterly taxes, Cruz said). For students interested in working in the spa industry, Cruz said many therapists often work 25-hour weeks, giving them time to work second jobs or pursue other interests.

Retention is a key factor in a massage therapist’s success in and outside of the spa setting. According to Cruz, retention rates should be at least 10% for every 500 clients. The number of return customers an employee sees plays a “big part in keeping an employee around.” (Students interested in working in a spa atmosphere should apply for their California state certification as soon as possible, as it currently takes about two months to obtain state certification, and one’s certification is required to work in a spa.)

Cruz also emphasized that soon-to-be and recent grads should start out massaging family members and friends as well as using the resources currently available to them to gain a foothold in the business. The practice of giving out free massages, handing out business cards and learning to ask people – even strangers - about the pain they experience in their day-to-day lives is crucial, Cruz said: “There’s a lot more currency than money in this world; [giving out free massages] is really an investment. You have to be comfortable speaking and listening. It’s all about customer service.”