To work as an agent or business manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least a bachelor's degree; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

The education requirements vary with the talent area you specialize in. However, most agents and business managers have at least a bachelor's degree.

Some sports agents have law or advanced business degrees. College-level preparation in contract law, sports management, or labor relations is very valuable.

Talent and literary agents often have a bachelor's degree in English, literature, music, or journalism.

Work experience

While in college, participate in an internship with a talent, literary, or sports agency. Working at an agency will give you valuable experience and contacts in the industry.

In general, agents and business managers work for several years in another role within their chosen industry. Some sports agents are former athletes. However, athletic skills do not prepare you for this occupation. You need experience working with contracts, negotiations, and sports organizations.

For literary agents, experience editing books or in publishing is good preparation.

For talent agents, experience working in the theater or for movie companies is good preparation.

On-the-job training

Training after you are hired is usually informal and lasts a few months. You help experienced agents with routine tasks. For example, you help book appointments, read manuscripts, collect payments, or write promotional materials. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks and have more independence.