Sports agents lead an exciting life of travel, exciting parties and events and, of course, have the chance to meet athletes and sports teams. They have in-depth knowledge of engagement and contract writing, and are excellent negotiators, eager to offer great opportunities to their clients. Read on for information about the life of a sports agent, and the training and skills you need to have to close a deal and how to build a career as a sports agent.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare to Become a Sports Agent
Step 1. Know what doing this job entails
Sports agents deal with the employment of athletes in a team and negotiating with companies in exchange for a small percentage of the athlete's salary. The agent's role is to manage the athlete's career by negotiating the best possible conditions in favor of the athlete.
- Agents are responsible for representing their clients, within the pre-established conditions, and use their experience in the field to guide their clients towards the best and most lucrative choices.
- Agents market their clients for team or company hires. Experiences in marketing and communication are helpful for this purpose.
- Agents act as representatives of their clients in negotiations with team owners, coaches, managers. In order to manage business effectively, they must understand the legal language of contracts and be aware of the rules and regulations that customers must abide by in a given situation.
- Some agents work individually or set up their own agency, while others work for large sports agencies.
Step 2. Evaluate the costs and benefits of working as a sports agent
Agents who represent great champions or famous clients receive many benefits that come with their fame. They can make big money, have access to the big boys in the world of professional sports, and travel the world with their clients. Disadvantages include many hours of work, a lot of family time away, and little guarantees of financial success. Great sports agents have the following characteristics:
- They are charismatic. Sports agents meet, on behalf of their clients, with team managers, coaches, owners, directors, and an unspecified number of other important people. They need to be outgoing and always active - whether that means promoting a party or enhancing the qualities of their customers at a meeting.
- They are willing to take risks. Many sports associations have more agents than players, and only 5% of sports agents earn more than € 80,000 a year. In such a competitive environment, agents must be able to put themselves out there for their customers. You may need to invest a few years of work before you get a steady pay, and the many hours you work can take a toll on your private life.
- They are independent. Sports agents are enterprising people whose livelihoods depend on their ability to attract new customers. Even agents working for large agencies are expected to bring in clients themselves.
Step 3. Be obsessed with sports
Sports agents know the intrigues of the recruitment and engagement process in different sports, before deciding to make sport their profession. They are knowledgeable about major sports and the associations, teams, athletes and staff who play a role in the industry.
Method 2 of 3: Training and Skills of a Sports Agent
Step 1. Get a degree
Sports agents have at least a bachelor's degree, and often a higher level. Specializations in sports management, marketing, communications, economics or law provide an excellent foundation for a career as a sports agent.
Sports management agencies offer courses to people who already have a degree and want to learn the specific skills that underpin sports management
Step 2. Get experience
The most important agencies offer internships or coaching periods to people interested in learning more about the sector. Doing an internship can also give you an extra chance of getting a job in an agency once you finish the experience.
- Think about which sport to choose to specialize. Most agencies focus on a sport and become an expert on the players and regulations in that particular environment.
- Consider whether you prefer to work with pros or lower-tier players. Competition is much stronger in professional categories, but the pay is lower when dealing with lower leagues.
Step 3. Get certifications
Required certifications vary between sports associations, but you will certainly be asked to demonstrate knowledge of the sports association regulations. Before you are granted certification, you will also need to pay a contribution of up to € 1000 for liability insurance.
- Study the regulations, contractual agreements, player benefits, agent rights and responsibilities of the sports association of your choice. Read books and research on the Internet about it, and talk to people who work in the industry for detailed information.
- Apply for certification by sending your personal data, contribution, and curriculum vitae.
- The association may require you to complete one or more courses before granting the certificate
Method 3 of 3: Build a Sports Agent Career
Step 1. Find a job with an agency
Work on the connections you've made internally, and keep building relationships on the ground. Connect at events to meet players, managers and managers.
Step 2. Look for players who need representation
Go to university recruiting events to find potential clients. Remember to sell yourself as a good agent who can bring fame and fortune to their clients. Develop your nose for the detection of potential champions.
Step 3. Join a sports management company
Companies will notify you when there are opportunities to build relationships and provide you with guidance for starting your career as a sports agent.
Step 4. Consider continuing your studies
Sports agents could benefit from law studies or masters in sports management. Take one of these possibilities to gain a greater understanding of contract negotiation, effective creative promotion, or other areas of knowledge that would lead you to the forefront of this highly competitive field.
Advice
Invest some money in a nice elegant dress. Show your client that you take your job very seriously. The more whimsical you are, the better
Warnings
- Get a degree before you go looking for new clients. Otherwise, customers may think you can't give them the two things they want most, money and fame.
- They may ask you for your consent to check your identity before granting certification.
- Some sports associations may grant certificates only at certain times of the year.
