Sports agents compete with one another to secure lucrative contracts with athletes. Athletes in the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League employ the largest number of sports agents. Agents are constantly under pressure to negotiate lucrative contracts and endorsement deals for their clients. Sports agents are mainly entrepreneurs, so that must market their services effectively and set their own fees.
Education
Some aspiring sports agents pursue degrees in sports administration and sports and recreation management. Aside from focusing on several aspects of sports, degree programs also include classes in accounting, marketing, business law and communication. Some individuals get law degrees for the added advantage of knowing contract law and how to effectively negotiate contracts.
Certification
You can get sports management certification by taking courses and passing an examination. Program requirements vary depending on which of the four major U.S. sports leagues you seek to work in. The certification programs are offered at the graduate school level and typically take one year. Certification programs cover topics such as law, marketing, finance, public relations and other topics related to the sports industry. In most cases, you need to have a bachelor's degree to gain acceptance into a sports management program. Depending on the school, you may also need a specific minimum GPA.
Internship
An internship at a major sports management firm will give you experience. You will get to see the day-to-day activities and the requirements needed to establish a successful career. Many college degree programs include internships as part of the curriculum. Some schools offer assistance to help you locate an internship. You could also do an externship, which is shadowing an agent for a day to a week to get a realistic understanding of the job and determine if it is something you truly want.
Find a Job
After interning at a reputable company, you must find permanent employment. Some companies allow you to transition from an intern to a full-time employment if your performance was satisfactory while working there. You may choose to go into business for yourself. If so, you must effectively market your services and network as much as possible. To network, you can attend sports industry events to connect with prospective clients. It is important that you follow all rules in the sports industry. You may find yourself suspended from acting as a sports agent if you break any of those rules.
Education
Some aspiring sports agents pursue degrees in sports administration and sports and recreation management. Aside from focusing on several aspects of sports, degree programs also include classes in accounting, marketing, business law and communication. Some individuals get law degrees for the added advantage of knowing contract law and how to effectively negotiate contracts.
Certification
You can get sports management certification by taking courses and passing an examination. Program requirements vary depending on which of the four major U.S. sports leagues you seek to work in. The certification programs are offered at the graduate school level and typically take one year. Certification programs cover topics such as law, marketing, finance, public relations and other topics related to the sports industry. In most cases, you need to have a bachelor's degree to gain acceptance into a sports management program. Depending on the school, you may also need a specific minimum GPA.
Internship
An internship at a major sports management firm will give you experience. You will get to see the day-to-day activities and the requirements needed to establish a successful career. Many college degree programs include internships as part of the curriculum. Some schools offer assistance to help you locate an internship. You could also do an externship, which is shadowing an agent for a day to a week to get a realistic understanding of the job and determine if it is something you truly want.
Find a Job
After interning at a reputable company, you must find permanent employment. Some companies allow you to transition from an intern to a full-time employment if your performance was satisfactory while working there. You may choose to go into business for yourself. If so, you must effectively market your services and network as much as possible. To network, you can attend sports industry events to connect with prospective clients. It is important that you follow all rules in the sports industry. You may find yourself suspended from acting as a sports agent if you break any of those rules.
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