Unconventional Careers: Sports Agents

The great thing about business is that it has a tendency to open up doors rather than close them. If you are interested in working as a professional agent in entertainment or sports, then you may require a degree in law. This should come as no surprise as the bulk of your time will be spent on negotiating on behalf of your client and going over contracts.

The Right Outlook

A law degree is not a prerequisite though. While powerful sports agents like Scott Boras and Leigh Steinberg have one, some do not.

Celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro has echoed the importance and value of a legal diploma to reinforce a business education. His initial degree was in finance at UCLA.

Bide Your Time

The other important guideline in your job search is to not show weakness and impatience by signing the first offer you receive. While you should not pass up a good opportunity, you should be discriminating. You have to bide your time and pounce on an offer at the right moment.

Set It Up Just Right

Basketball legend Earvin ''Magic'' Johnson's trademark move was the no-look pass to one of his teammates, either to his right or left. He knew exactly where each teammate stood and could get away with the no-look pass. You too must be fully aware of the alternatives before making a final choice.

Do Not Feel Obliged…

Author and negotiations expert Dr. Lester Karrass argued that Adolf Hitler conquered some European nations too easily because British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain felt obliged to strike a deal with the Fuhrer. This gave the Nazi leader free reign on Europe. While Chamberlain may have had little negotiating power to begin with, he lost even more leverage by suggesting that his back was against the wall.

When the deal is not right, dictate your terms or walk away.