How to Become a Sports Agent
Love sports, but don’t want to be on the field? A career as a sports agent might be the thing for you. Sports agents manage a number of different tasks, from finding the best teams for their athlete clients to assisting them in choosing which brands to sponsor from those that provide an offer. Other tasks, like helping the athletes that you represent handle media requests, choose other professionals for their team (like public relations representatives and accountants or money managers) and even providing career advice, all fall under the umbrella of a sports agent as well. With so many tasks to oversee, it's no wonder that a sports agent needs to have a solid academic background.
Obtain a College Degree
A degree in Sport Management provides a solid background in everything that an agent needs to know. Subjects like sports ethics, sports psychology, business policy and sports law are extremely helpful for those who want to become a sports agent.
Consider An Advanced Degree
Due to the complexities of a sports agent's duties, some hopefuls go on to earn an advanced degree. A law degree can help you understand the fine print and legal jargon in the player's contracts, while an MBA or a master's degree in Marketing can provide the knowledge needed to help an athlete's career. The more that you know, the better, and it's important to have taken all the classes needed to perform at a high level as a sports agent. While not every agent has an advanced degree, it certainly helps them advance in the field.
Getting Certified
Depending on the state that you want to work in, you might have to get certified or licensed in order to work as a sports agent. Some states also require you to register as an agent, so they can ensure that you're doing the job as ethically as possible. If you choose to work for a larger sports management organization or agency, then they may help you go through this process. However, if you want to strike it out on your own and work independently or open up your own agency, you'll need to find out exactly which licensing, certifications or registrations you need in order to work as a sports agent.
Experience Is a Must
In addition to completing a bachelor's degree in Sport Management, possibly getting an advanced degree, and going through the certification process, a sports agent also needs experience. Students who are working on their undergraduate degree at Dean College need to complete an internship in order to graduate. These internships, often done at sports agencies or sports venues, provide plenty of experience in the field, so students understand exactly what the job entails. As with many other professions, every bit of experience counts. Ready to take the first step? Request more information, today!