Those of you who have watched and loved Tom Cruise in the role of Jerry Maguire will know how challenging the life of a sports agent is. For those who haven’t watched this movie, here’s a peek into the career and an insight into the qualities that make a great sports agent.
So, who is a sports agent? He is the intermediary between the management and the athlete. He manages the life and career of budding sportspersons. That sounds easy on paper, doesn’t it? It’s not that easy in real life. You must understand the sport and its legalities, the ability to negotiate contracts, and the resilience to stick by the athlete through thick and thin.
A career as a sports agent can be thrilling and challenging, but the scope is endless because sports as an industry is expanding at an alarming rate. Do you have what it takes to be a successful sports agent?
- Business acumen: As a sports agent, you must oversee the business side of athlete contracts. You should get an education in business, finance, marketing, or management to prepare you for this job. A specialized degree in sports management is ideal for someone who wants to be an agent.
- Social skills: You must have good communication skills to manage the emotions, viewpoints, and interests of players and the management. You must be able to form close relationships with both parties and use negotiation skills to achieve career goals. Social intelligence will help you close successful sports contracts.
- Passion for sports: You can’t be successful in any field unless you are passionate about it. In the same way, to be a sports agent, you should have a passion for the game. That helps you negotiate better for the athlete you represent.
- Negotiation skills: Social skills are necessary for negotiating contracts. Have you already gained experience in managing negotiations? In that case, being a sports agent is easy. If you aren’t sure about this, opt for an internship in sports management first to see if you are up for the challenge.
- Credibility: It’s necessary to have a stellar reputation if you want to be a sports agent. When you are capable and trustworthy, you will be recommended. When you work in this industry representing star athletes, you must give statements to the press and the public. This means you must be presentable, confident, and enterprising. You shouldn’t have inhibitions about speaking in public.
- Multi-tasking skills: You can represent more than one sportsperson as an agent. You should be able to juggle multiple clients and their engagements and contracts. You must satisfy all clients on the roster, entertain offers from different employers and manage your time well.
A career as a sports agent can bring you the big bucks, but it has its fair share of hurdles and challenges. If you have these qualities, this career is worth giving a shot!
