How to Become a Talent Agent

Behind everyone’s favorite entertainers and athletes are typically talent agents who help them land television or movie roles, secure sponsorships, and earn their salaries. Talent agents represent their clients in various negotiations and facilitate deals that are in their best interests.

With the global talent management industry projected to grow at an average rate of about 5.5% per year between 2024 and 2033, according to Business Research Insights, many individuals may be wondering how to become a talent agent. It requires specific skills and experience, with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a relevant field being a common path.

What Does a Talent Agent Do?

A talent agent’s responsibilities depend on their area of specialty and the number of clients they represent. Their primary goal is to represent and promote the career interests of professionals in the sports and entertainment industries.

Their duties often include the following:

• Building relationships with producers and directors, advertising agencies, and others seeking talent
• Negotiating contracts and salaries on behalf of clients
• Scheduling auditions and booking work opportunities
• Training clients on working with the media
• Marketing clients’ work through various in-person and virtual outlets
• Monitoring clients’ schedules
• Scouting and signing new talent
• Staying abreast of industry trends

Become a Talent Agent in 5 Steps

Becoming a talent agent isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. However, the steps below provide a viable path for finding employment in the field and working with a diverse range of client profiles.

Step 1: Earn a Relevant Degree

Training can begin in high school with exposure to theater, band, and other performing arts groups. Working with performers or participating in casting can aid in early skill development.

A collegiate education, however, can provide fundamental knowledge of the field. Aspiring talent agents often pursue bachelor’s degree programs in communications, business, public relations, sports management, and marketing. Courses in negotiation may also be helpful. Another option is to minor in a creative field such as dance, theater, or music to become familiar with those specialties and begin building networks.

Individuals seeking to advance their careers with a high-level position in talent management may consider pursuing a master’s degree in entertainment industry management or a specialized field within the entertainment industry, such as music. Some aspiring talent agents pursue a Juris Doctor, a law degree that can help with contract negotiations and other aspects of business.

Step 2: Gain Industry Experience

Experience is one of the most important requirements for talent agents, and internships provide one way to get hands-on practice. Students may also seek entry-level positions at sports organizations, talent agencies, record labels, or production companies.

Students should begin networking for internship opportunities and entry-level positions while pursuing their degree.

Step 3: Develop Required Skills

Talent agents must be able to pivot quickly and possess a strong skill set to stand out and attract clients. The most important skills to have include the following:

• Communication: Talent agents communicate with their clients as well as other agents, executives, and assistants. Having superb oral and written communication skills is an essential job qualification. Fluency in multiple languages is also helpful.
• Networking: Talent agents need to be confident in various social environments and outspoken to secure new clients and promote their own roster. They must know how to develop and sustain professional relationships.
• Presentation: Talent agents must have presentation skills to pitch offers to clients and promote clients to agencies for positions or roles.
• Negotiation: Talent agents must have patience and persuasiveness to be successful negotiators, as a major aspect of their job is to work on their clients’ behalf for the best possible deal.
• Problem-Solving: Talent agents will likely be called on to counsel their clients on various personal, financial, and business matters.

Step 4: Obtain Applicable Credentials

According to the Association of Talent Agents, some states have licensing requirements for talent agents while others don’t. For example, Georgia requires no professional licenses for talent agents; California requires licensing for all agents; and New York requires licensing for theatrical and artist agents, but not artist managers. Professionals should consult their local labor or business regulation departments for more information.

Additionally, talent agents should consider joining a trade organization, such as the National Association of Talent Representatives.

Step 5: Build a Client Roster or Seek Employment

Entry-level talent agents may find clients by networking or attending live events, showcases, and open mics. After gaining some experience, they can register their companies with professional organizations, such as the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). If they’re not ready to venture out on their own, applying for talent agency positions can help them learn the field.

Talent Agent Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes earned a median annual salary of $84,900 as of May 2023. Connecticut and New York are the top-paying states for agents and business managers, followed by New Jersey, California, and Idaho.

ONet Online, which sources data from the U.S. Department of Labor, classifies agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes as a “Bright Outlook” occupation, meaning it’s expected to grow rapidly in the next few years.

Explore the Benefits of a Master’s Degree for Talent Agents

There’s no official educational requirement to become a talent agent, but earning a degree in a relevant field is a great way to develop the skills and expertise necessary for a successful career.

The Tseng College at California State University, Northridge, offers a fully online, two-year Master of Arts in Entertainment Industry Management program. In addition to lectures and online modules, the program includes virtual activities and simulations, as well as an internship and a capstone project. Coursework focuses on areas such as entertainment marketing, industry regulation, entertainment accounting, and management and producing.

CSUN’s Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration is another online program that’s ideal for professionals interested in promotion, management, production, and distribution.

Learn more about how CSUN’s master’s degree programs can help you reach your goals in the entertainment industry.