Lina's Tips: Those Who Can't Play Represent

By Lina Badih
Staff Editor

Not everyone who wants a career in sports can simply do it for the love of the game. Maybe you have figured by now that you're not the next Michael Jordan, Vince Carter or Anna Kournikova, but you still want to work in sports. The saying goes "Those who can't do, teach," and those who can't play, represent! They represent athletes who keep yelling "Show me the money!" Yes, I'm talking about sports agents.

In the vast world of sports, having an agent is a must. Every single athlete you have heard of has an agent who is usually employed by the athlete or a management firm. The main job of the agent is to negotiate contracts and find endorsements for the athlete, keeping in mind the latter's best interest.

Networking is a large part of a sports agent's everyday life. Agents spend most of their time on the phone, arranging meetings, discussing prospects and making contacts in the industry. They also keep a close eye on the media, making sure that publicity is beneficial to the athlete.

There are no educational requirements set in stone for sports agents. But it is increasingly becoming difficult to find a job without a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing or sports management. After becoming an agent, pursuing an MBA or a law degree is quite common.

If you've got good bargaining skills, like to schmooze and think you could manage an athlete's career into stardom, then a career as a sports agent might be just for you.