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Becoming a skilled perfumer takes years of training, as it demands an in-depth knowledge of chemistry and fragrances, along with the creative talent to design new, captivating scents. Though the journey may be lengthy, there are several routes you can take. You can pursue a degree in chemistry, earn a graduate degree in perfumery, or start at a cosmetic or fragrance company. No matter which path you choose, dedication, expertise, and creativity are essential to mastering the art of perfumery.
Steps
Chemistry Degree
Enroll in a college offering a chemistry program. Many professional perfumers begin their careers with a strong foundation in chemistry. Explore colleges in your region or in a location where you'd be willing to move that offer a bachelor's degree in this field.
- A solid understanding of chemistry helps you grasp how different chemicals interact to create fragrances and ensures their safe use in cosmetic products.
Tip: While a general science degree can give you a basic understanding of chemistry, which is helpful for perfumery, it is far more beneficial to pursue a specialized education in chemistry.
Major in chemistry. In certain cases, you may need to apply for a chemistry major after completing the necessary prerequisites. This application is usually submitted during your second year of college and often involves writing a statement explaining why you wish to declare chemistry as your major, along with a review of your academic performance up to that point.
- Some schools, however, allow you to simply log into your online school account and declare your major without any additional steps.
Concentrate your studies on the chemistry of perfumes and cosmetics, if available. Many colleges offer advanced courses focusing on the science behind scents and cosmetics. If you have the chance to take these courses, seize it. Specializing in your field of interest will make you a more appealing candidate to perfume and cosmetic companies.
Apply for internships and entry-level roles in the fragrance industry. As you progress through your education and after obtaining your degree, apply for various jobs in the fragrance industry, including entry-level positions and even unpaid internships. These positions offer hands-on experience in the perfume industry. Your background in chemistry will make you a strong contender for these roles.
- Many entry-level positions in the cosmetics and perfume sectors can pave the way toward becoming a master perfumer, including roles like scent evaluator, lab technician, or quality control specialist.
Climb the ranks to eventually become a perfumer. After securing a position in a perfume company, you'll likely encounter opportunities to advance in your career and move closer to becoming a perfumer. Don’t hesitate to request promotions and express your desire to pursue a career in perfumery to your supervisors. Show them that you are a dedicated employee with the potential to craft fragrances.
- Be prepared for a gradual progression. It may take several years before you earn a position as a student perfumer under the guidance of a master perfumer.
Perfumery School
Apply to a perfumery school after earning a chemistry degree. A few specialized programs around the world are designed to teach you the craft of perfume creation. These programs are highly competitive, so you'll need a bachelor's degree and a compelling application that demonstrates both your academic excellence and your passion for becoming a perfumer.
- The most renowned perfumery schools are located in France, including Institut Supérieur International Du Parfum (ISIPCA) and Givaudan. These institutions generally admit only 12 to 20 students annually.
Tip: Attending these prestigious schools can be costly. Be prepared to invest at least 10,000 Euros (around 11,000 USD) per year for tuition.
Complete your coursework. A degree in perfumery usually requires 2 to 4 years of classes. You'll study foundational and classic perfume formulations, learn about raw materials, dive into the science and technology of perfumery, and develop your skills in fragrance analysis.
- The specific classes you will take may vary depending on the school. Be sure to reach out to potential schools for detailed information on their course requirements.
Get an apprenticeship at a fragrance company during your studies. As part of your 2 to 4 years of training, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship at a fragrance house. During this time, you'll be mentored by an experienced perfumer and work alongside a creative team to develop new fragrances.
- Securing an apprenticeship is mandatory to graduate. Keep in mind that you will need to apply for these positions.
Apply for jobs after completing your education. Once you graduate with your perfumery degree, you can begin applying for student perfumer positions. These paid roles allow you to work under the guidance of a master perfumer, gaining deeper insights into crafting your own unique fragrances. These positions are specifically designed to guide you toward becoming a master perfumer.
- The top perfumery schools boast excellent job placement rates for their graduates. For example, most alumni from ISIPCA and Givaudan secure positions at major cosmetics and perfume companies.
Job Training
Apply for an entry-level position at a cosmetics or perfume company. Not every perfumer holds a science degree. Some begin their careers in entry-level roles and develop their skills on the job. To break into the industry, look for positions like lab technician, scent tester, or office assistant within a cosmetics or perfume company.
- Check online job search engines for openings in the perfume industry, or visit the careers page of specific cosmetic companies.
- Update your resume and online profiles to highlight your qualifications and increase your visibility to potential employers.
- From there, you can gain experience, build your reputation, and make yourself a more appealing candidate for higher-level positions.
Tip: If you don’t have a science degree, you might need to start in a less prestigious or specialized role compared to those with a scientific background.
Participate in an on-the-job training program, if available. Many large cosmetic and perfume companies, like International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. in New York, offer internal programs that teach fragrance design and development. If you're already employed by such a company, consider applying for one of these programs. They are essentially internships that allow you to learn from master perfumers within your company.
- These programs often require you to stay with the company for a set number of years after completion, ensuring they benefit from your skills before you move to another employer.
Climb the ranks to become a perfumer. As positions closer to the role of a perfumer open up within your company, seize the opportunity to apply for them. Advancing through the company will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, and you'll gain invaluable skills along the way.
- This process can take years to complete. You'll need to immerse yourself in the intricacies of the industry, its science, and the art of fragrance creation before you can officially become a perfumer.
