For example, are you a good sales person? If so, you could do well in a retail outlet or as a gemstone wholesaler. If you are creative and have an interest in fashion, a position as a gemstone designer could be the right choice. Or maybe you’re especially meticulous and detail oriented. You could do well as an appraiser or bench jeweler, which is someone who repairs fine jewelry.

What are my salary requirements? Am I willing to work my way up to get the salary I want? Am I willing to relocate to find a job? What lifestyle requirements do I have? Will I be happy working retail hours or would I prefer a more traditional 9-to-5 job?

In general, gemology schools offer a wide variety of course options, but if you are considering a more specialized area of work, ensure the schools you’re looking at offer this program. It might help to talk to a representative from the school. They can help guide you as to what classes your degree will require and can answer any other questions you might have. Inquire about distance learning options. If you don’t want or are not able to take on-campus classes, check that the schools you’re interested in offer distance learning programs.

At these schools you’ll learn about the analysis, grading, buying, selling, and pricing of gems and precious metals. These programs can usually be completed in a year or less. A diploma from one of these schools will allow you to work in jewelry stores, jewelry manufacturing, and gemological laboratories. [5] X Research source Many gemological schools have in-person and online training, so you can choose whichever best fits your lifestyle and abilities. [6] X Expert Source Mark SandlerGraduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.

Certificate programs usually focus on more technical areas of gemology like jewelry design. [8] X Trustworthy Source Gemological Institute of America Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards Go to source

The most comprehensive degrees, such as Graduate Gemologist, generally require you to take five classes and three hands-on labs over the course of your training. These degrees usually take around a year to complete. Less intensive certification programs can usually be completed over the course of several months. [10] X Trustworthy Source Gemological Institute of America Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards Go to source

Inquire with your school to see if they work with any apprenticeship programs. You can also search for apprenticeships through online directories. These directories usually separate apprenticeship opportunities into categories—by state, for example—to make searching for an opportunity more convenient.

The company will be looking to hire someone who is reliable and trustworthy. They also want someone who is able to perform their job well. Make sure you demonstrate these qualities throughout your apprenticeship so you’ll be considered for full-time employment.

Make sure you bring enough copies of your resume to hand out to companies you’re interested in working for. Dress appropriately for the event. Most career fairs require attendees to wear business attire.

Carry some business cards with you so you can hand them out to anyone who might be of help. This way they can easily contact you if an opportunity arises. Don’t forget to network through social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, as well. These sites may even have groups dedicated specifically to those already employed in gemology or those currently looking for jobs in the field. Joining professional gemologist organizations and associations, like the American Gem Society, is another way to meet other gemologists and find out about job openings.

You can create “alerts” through most job boards. Once you set up an alert, the website will email you daily with relevant jobs.