Finding jobs in this field is as challenging for those just starting out as it is for those at the top. Even intern positions and entry-level jobs are hard to get, because so many people are struggling to enter the field. Insiders recommend starting as early as possible and taking any job that gives you exposure to athletes. High school students can start by shagging balls at tennis tournaments, golf caddying, or applying for coveted ballboy/girl and batboy/girl or clubhouse assistant positions with major league baseball teams.
College internships are probably the most valuable introduction to the field, especially when you consider that many of the top management firms that hire agents do not accept younger applicants. These firms are looking for men and women who are eager and willing to learn about the field. Insiders believe the internship is crucial to getting a solid start because it may be the last time when anyone will let you be close enough to see how the job is done; once someone passes the internship stage, they are viewed by other agents as competition and the avenues of communication close up. Although young recruits in an agency receive some informal training on the job, the secrets of the trade are highly individualized and are developed by the truly successful among the agents.
- Aerobics Instructors and Fitness Trainers
- Animal Trainers
- Antiques and Art Dealers
- Aromatherapists
- Artists
- Athletic Directors
- Auctioneers
- Automotive Dealership Owners
- Automotive Dealership Sales Managers
- Barbers
- Bed and Breakfast Owners
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Bloggers
- Brewers
- Caterers
- Chief Executive Officers
- Child Care Service Owners
- Cleaning Service Owners
- Computer Support Service Owners
- Construction Managers
- Cosmetics Shop Owners and Managers
- Cosmetologists
- Driving School Owners and Instructors
- Edupreneurs
- Entrepreneurs
- E-Sports Professionals
- Exercise Physiologists
- Export-Import Specialists
- Farmers
- Film and Television Producers
- Financial Planners
- Financial Services Brokers
- Fitness Directors
- Franchise Owners
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Green Products Manufacturers
- Gunsmiths
- Health Club Owners and Managers
- Home Stagers
- Illustrators
- Information Brokers
- Interior Designers and Decorators
- Internet Consultants
- Internet Marketing and Advertising Consultants
- Internet Store Managers and Entrepreneurs
- Jockeys
- Lawn and Gardening Service Owners
- Life Insurance Agents and Brokers
- Literary Agents
- Medical Billing Service Owners
- Motivational Speakers
- Personal Chefs
- Personal Trainers
- Pet Sitters
- Photographers
- Podcasters
- Professional Athletes, Individual Sports
- Professional Athletes, Team Sports
- Real Estate Developers
- Recreation Workers
- Retail Business Owners
- Ski Resort Workers
- Songwriters
- Sports Broadcasters and Announcers
- Sports Equipment Managers
- Sports Executives
- Sports Facility Managers
- Sports Instructors and Coaches
- Sports Photographers
- Sports Physicians
- Sports Psychologists
- Sports Publicists
- Sports Scouts
- Sports Trainers
- Sportswriters
- Stadium Ushers and Vendors
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Umpires and Referees
- Wedding and Party Consultants
- Writers