Athletic Agents lead exciting lives filled with travel, high-stakes games, sporting events, and of course, direct and personalized access with athletes and sports teams. They have a deep understanding of sports recruiting and its rules, and they are excellent negotiators, willing to take big risks for their clients. Read on for information on the life of a sports agent, his background and skills that will help you land a job, and most importantly, how to build a successful sports agent career.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare to become a sports agent
Step 1. Know what the job involves
Sports agents manage athletes' careers with a team and endorsements with companies in exchange for a percentage of the athlete's salary. The agent’s role is to help him manage his career as well as possible by negotiating the best possible prices for him.
- Agents are responsible for presenting their clients with the options available to them, and, using their sporting expertise, helping them navigate to the best teams or the most lucrative choices.
- Agents market their clients as candidates for teams or for promotions with companies. Training in marketing and communication is helpful for this purpose.
- Agents act as representatives of their clients in dealing with team owners, coaches and managers. In order to enter into effective agreements, they must be adept at understanding the legal language of contracts and be aware of the rules and regulations that apply to the client in a given situation.
- Some agents work as individuals or start with their own agencies, while others work for large sports agencies.
Step 2. Understand the pros and cons of working as a sports agent
Agents who represent extremely talented or famous clients receive a lot of benefits that come with being famous. They can earn a comfortable salary, have access to influential people in professional sports, and they travel the world with their clients. The disadvantages are many such as long hours of work, a lot of time spent away from family, and little guarantee of financial success. Major sports agents have the following characteristics.
- They are charismatic. Athlete Agents meet with team managers, coaches, owners, officers, and a number of important people on behalf of their clients. They must have a good interpersonal skills and always be in "on" mode, that means talking to people at parties or praising the skills of their clients in a meeting room.
- They are willing to take risks. Most sports leagues have more agents than players, and only 5 percent of sports agents earn more than $ 100,000 a year. In such a field of competition, agents must be prepared to invest a great deal in the future of their clients. They may have to work several years before earning a regular salary, and long hours of work can take a toll on their personal lives.
- They are self-directed. Sports agents are disjointed, go-getters, and their livelihood depends on their ability to attract new clients. Even agents who work for large agencies must attract new clients independently.
Step 3. Be obsessed with sports
Sports agents know the intricacies of the recruiting process and the rules of different sports before they even decide to pursue a career in sports. They are knowledgeable about the major sports and leagues, teams, athletes and staff that play a role in the sports industry.
Method 2/3: Education and skills of a sports agent
Step 1. Obtain a college diploma
Sports agents have at least a higher level qualification. Degrees in sports management, marketing, communications, business or law are excellent preparation for a career as an agent.
Management companies offer courses for people who already have a degree and want to learn more about the specific skills that come into play in sports management
Step 2. Get experience
Major sports organizations offer internships or shadowing programs for those interested in learning more on the pitch. Having an internship can also give you a better chance of finding a job with an organization after you finish your studies.
- Think about the sport you want to specialize in. Most agents focus on a single sport and become experts in players and rules in that same sport.
- Think about whether you want to work with professional or lower league players. Competition is much higher in professional leagues, the pay is lower when working with lower leagues.
Step 3. Obtain certification
Certification requirements vary between sports leagues, but you will certainly be encouraged to display a better understanding of league policies. Before obtaining certification, you may need to acquire professional liability insurance.
- Study the rules, conventions, benefits, rights and responsibilities of the chosen sports league. Read books and websites on the subject, try talking with people who already work for the league to get more information.
- Apply for certification by submitting your personal information, fees, and your resume.
- Your league may require you to take one or more courses before you can be certified.
Method 3 of 3: Build a career as a sports agent
Step 1. Find a job with an agency
Build on the relationships you made as an intern, and continue to develop your network in the field. Join the Sports and Culture Federation to find employment opportunities. Go to demonstrations, meet the players, coaches and managers.
Step 2. Look at the players who need rep
Go for example to sponsorship of events, to patronage in colleges in order to find potential clients. Remember to market yourself as an effective agent who can bring fame and fortune to your clients. Develop your efficiency in picking out potential future big stars.
Step 3. Join a sports management company
Companies will need to alert you to relationship possibilities and provide you with advice so you can start your career as a sports agent.
Step 4. Consider getting a higher level degree
Sports agents can find law degrees or masters in sports management. Pursue any of these options to gain a better understanding of contract negotiation, create an effective branding image, or develop other expert capabilities that will keep you at the top of this highly competitive field.
Advice
Invest in a cute, flashy costume. It shows the client that you are very serious about your job. The better your image, the better for you
Warnings
- Get a degree before attempting to take on new clients. Not only is it illegal not to have a degree, but it also shows your clients that you can't give them the two things they want most, money and fame.
- You may be required to agree to a criminal background check prior to receiving certification.
- Some leagues may award certifications during certain parts of the year.