How to Become an Entertainment Agent: Degree & Steps Required
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Entertainment agents may not be in the spotlight, but their work has garnered significant recognition. Their involvement in many movies and TV shows has elevated their status in the industry. Shows like “Entourage” and various reality programs that delve into show business have undoubtedly contributed to people’s familiarity with these agents.
But what does the real-life workday of an entertainment or talent agent look like? Beyond simply representing their clients and getting them paying jobs in the industry, talent agents are in business for themselves, usually working for a commission of the fees eventually paid to the people they represent. While some agents work for big-name firms like the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) or The Gersh Agency, many more are self-employed and thus dependent on getting lucrative gigs for their clients to make a living.
Successful agents don’t just spot up-and-coming talent; they also need a vast network of industry contacts to connect their clients with the right opportunities. In the film industry, agents need more than just an eye for talent. They must also excel at marketing themselves and their clients and know exactly who to target with their pitch. These agents frequently contact crucial decision-makers like producers, casting directors, and other key players in the industry. Finding paid work in this highly competitive field without the right connections can be challenging for even the most business-savvy talent scouts.
While the movie business may be one of the better-known industries in which entertainment agents work, it is far from the only one. Voice actors, dancers, and even animals often work with entertainment agents to place them into environments where they can grow their reputations and build their careers. The music industry is another venue where a hard-working and well-connected agent can make the difference between being an undiscovered talent and achieving a full-fledged touring and recording career. People like Scooter Braun, who managed the early careers of stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, can become well-known and influential people within their industry in their own right for the huge successes that the talents in their care achieve.
So how to break into this fascinating and often lucrative career? This guide is intended to serve as an orientation to individuals interested in becoming entertainment agents, with notes on which qualities and skill sets are desirable in the industry and which educational pathways may lead to a fruitful career in the business.
Skillsets & Qualifications for Aspiring Entertainment Agents
Breaking into the entertainment industry takes more than talent and willpower. Individuals should focus on developing skills and qualities to increase their chances of success. As an entertainment agent, it comes with challenges and stressors. Those considering this career should research the requirements to be ready for what lies ahead.
A Strong Interest in the Entertainment Industry
As glamorous and exciting as certain aspects of the entertainment industry may be, it is also well-known as a high-pressure environment where individuals are often forced to sacrifice time and energy to get ahead. They have a strong interest in the entertainment industry in general and well-developed interests in the field they focus on. Suppose someone is interested in representing musical artists, for example. In that case, they should ensure that their passion for this aspect of the entertainment world is well-developed enough to push them through the inevitable grind of trying to get their business off the ground. Additionally, knowing about the music industry and its trends will make spotting exceptional talent much easier.
Fortitude
In a recent interview with National Public Radio, well-known entertainment agent and entrepreneur Scooter Braun emphasizes how difficult it is to get young and unknown talent off the ground. Artists often rely on their agents to represent them in business matters, advocate for them, and offer pep talks when necessary. A certain amount of fortitude in the face of adversity and difficulty is a prime asset for any individual hoping to make their mark in an industry where rejection is par for the course.
People Skills
Entertainment agents do not only interact with the clients they work for daily but represent them to the world at large. Frequently, it is an agent that will initially connect with a movie or TV production company, record label, or other party in the search for new talent. As such, agents must be able to communicate effectively with several different people.
In an interview with Variety magazine, Kevin “Coach K” Lee, founder of the wildly successful Quality Control music label, talks about the factors that led to worldwide renown for the artists under his care. Individuals like Kevin Lee are successful not only because of their ability to engender trust with the rappers and singers who are signed to their labels and imprints but because they can also speak effectively to the CEOs and other managers that can push their talents and companies to the next level. As such, being an effective communicator in various environments is a significant asset to any individual aspiring to work as an entertainment agent.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Entertainment Agent
Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)
While there is no certification process for the “entertainment agent” role, many agencies that can help individuals break into the industry via entry-level positions or internships will require applicants to have completed a degree in a related field. Additionally, many degree programs now offer educational pathways specifically geared towards future employment and career success in the entertainment world and can provide valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to those who take the plunge.
Below is a selected list of bachelor’s degree programs in the United States that can impart that knowledge and provide an initial stepping stone to those looking to begin a career as an entertainment agent.
Missouri State University offers a BS in entertainment management with a strong hands-on component. According to its materials, the program offered at the school is one of the few in the country explicitly geared to the world of entertainment. Located in Springfield, Missouri State University emphasizes the networking opportunities afforded by its active alum network.
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Estimated Tuition: $8,604 per year (residents); $25,723 per year (non-residents)
Arts and entertainment management is the official title of the bachelor of science awarded at this well-known private university in New York City. Located in one of the nation’s prime hubs for entertainment and art is a significant selling point for Pace, which offers its program through the Lubin School of Business. According to its websites, graduates of the Pace program have ended up with some of the following employers, among many others:
- Digiday
- Diversified Media Group
- Brooklyn Boulders
- Downtown Dance Factory
- FORD Models
- Fox News
Pace may be an ideal fit for candidates looking for a school close to the employment, networking, and internship opportunities a city like New York can provide.
- Location: New York, NY
- Duration: 48 months
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $1,420 per credit
Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, is recognized as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and offers a bachelor’s of arts in entertainment and recording industry management. Students may be particularly drawn to TSU’s program if they have a strong interest in music and will be well-served by the school’s location in one of the south’s cultural hubs. In addition to management principles and other classic business courses, enrollees in this BA program will also become familiar with recording technology and computer applications in the entertainment industry today.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $9,173 per year (residents); $21,413 per year (non-residents)
The University of Central Florida offers a bachelor of science in entertainment management, whose course offering is an excellent fit for individuals hoping to fast-track their knowledge in the entertainment industry. Located in Orlando, U of CF can boast proximity to Disney World and Disney’s corporate headquarters, representing sizable employers in the entertainment world. According to its website, graduates with this BS degree work for some of the biggest names in the industry.
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $212.28 per credit hour (residents); $748.89 per credit hour (non-residents)
The University of South Carolina offers a unique package to individuals looking to give themselves a broader footing in their education, as its bachelor of science degree bills itself as “sport and entertainment management.” In addition to imparting knowledge on working in the entertainment industry, students are thus allowed to learn about the world of professional athletics, in which agents play a similarly important role.
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $12,688 per year (residents); $33,928 per year (non-residents)
Step Two: Pursue an Internship (Timeline Varies)
While internships are losing some of their allure in many industries, entertainment agents are highly dependent on making the proper connections in their respective niches. An internship with an agency or with an individual agent working for themselves can be a fast track to the contacts that will make all the difference for future agents and the talent they represent.
In the entertainment industry, this can mean working for a talent agency or even with one of the many casting agencies that work on the other side of the table, from agents hoping to push their clients into roles. Establishing connections at either end of the casting process can make all the difference in connecting talent to paying work, which is often how working agents get paid themselves.
Step Three: Starting an Agency or Finding Permanent Employment (Timeline Varies)
While television and movies may emphasize the image of the lone wolf entertainment agent, many successful candidates are employed by large agencies that provide contacts, infrastructure, and a regular salary to the agents in their employ. After completing a college degree and one or more relevant internships, many find employment with a more prominent firm for the benefits and stability this can offer. Others choose to forego the structures these agencies provide and start a business.
Which step is suitable for a respective individual depends on their position at this juncture in their career and preference. While agencies offer a ready-made book of connections and often choose clients for their agents, going out on one’s own can provide a nearly endless amount of freedom in deciding who to work with and which aspect of the industry that person is most suited for and interested in.
Step Four: Earn an MBA with an Entertainment Specialization (Optional, Two Years)
In today’s competitive entertainment landscape, it has become increasingly essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s business side. Earning an MBA with an entertainment specialization equips aspiring professionals with the strategic, financial, and management skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic sector. This advanced degree not only opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and provides a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of the ever-evolving entertainment world.
Students in MBA programs with entertainment specializations explore critical aspects of the industry, such as film production, television programming, and talent representation, while honing their leadership and decision-making abilities. An MBA with an entertainment specialization is a powerful tool for those seeking to make their mark in the captivating realm of show business.
The following is a list of MBA programs related to promoting entertainment.
The online MBA in marketing program at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management offers a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the competitive marketing world. This specialized degree combines essential business principles, such as management, finance, and leadership, with an in-depth understanding of the ever-evolving marketing landscape. The online MBA in marketing emphasizes critical aspects of the field, including digital marketing, consumer behavior, market research, and brand management.
By focusing on real-world applications and hands-on experiences, this program equips graduates with the skills and expertise necessary to excel as leaders in marketing and drive innovation in various industries. The online format allows students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments, making it an appealing option for those looking to enhance their skills without disrupting their current career path.
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Tuition: $1,995 per credit
Southern New Hampshire University
The MBA in Music Business program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a unique and specialized educational experience for aspiring professionals in the music industry. This innovative program combines essential business principles, such as management, marketing, and finance, with a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges specific to the music sector.
Developed in partnership with the renowned Berklee College of Music, this online degree equips students with the skills and expertise necessary to navigate the rapidly-evolving landscape of the music business. The curriculum focuses on real-world applications, exploring artist management, music production, and intellectual property rights. By blending traditional business acumen with specialized knowledge in the music industry, SNHU’s MBA in Music Business prepares graduates to excel as leaders and drive the future of music.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Duration: 15 months
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $627 per credit
Tulane University’s online MBA program, with a strong emphasis on marketing, offers a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for professionals seeking to excel in the competitive marketing world. This specialized degree combines essential business principles, such as management, finance, and leadership, with an in-depth understanding of the ever-evolving marketing landscape.
The online MBA in marketing at Tulane University focuses on critical aspects of the field, including digital marketing, consumer behavior, market research, and brand management, preparing graduates to drive innovation across various industries.
The online format allows students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments, making it an appealing option for those looking to enhance their skills without disrupting their current career path.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Duration: 24 months
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Tuition: $627 per credit
Full Sail University’s entertainment business master’s program offers a dynamic and immersive educational experience for aspiring professionals in the fast-paced entertainment world. This specialized degree emphasizes the unique aspects of the entertainment industry, providing students with a strong foundation in essential business principles such as management, finance, marketing, and leadership, explicitly tailored to the demands of this creative sector.
The entertainment business specialization at Full Sail University delves into various facets of the industry, from film and television production to live events, music, and digital media. With a focus on real-world applications and hands-on experiences, this program equips graduates with the skills and expertise necessary to excel as leaders and innovators in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
- Location: Winter Park, FL
- Duration: 12 months
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Tuition: $916 per credit
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) master of business administration (MBA) program offers a unique opportunity for students to specialize in the music business, setting them apart in the highly competitive entertainment industry. This comprehensive program combines essential business principles, such as management, finance, marketing, and leadership, with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges specific to the music sector. This degree can be completed online or on campus.
The music business specialization within MTSU’s MBA program provides students with a strong foundation in the music industry’s inner workings, from artist management and production to intellectual property rights and marketing strategies. With a focus on real-world applications and hands-on experiences, MTSU’s MBA program, along with its music business specialization, equips graduates with the skills and expertise necessary to excel as leaders in the ever-evolving world of music and entertainment.
- Location: Murfreesboro, TN
- Duration: 12 to 24 months
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Tuition: $522 per credit (residents); $1,455 per credit (non-residents)
For more in-depth information on music management and marketing graduate programs, please visit our Online MBA in Music Business Management and Online MBA in Marketing pages.
