What Is a Talent Manager and How Do I Become One?

You're familiar with athletes, actors, musicians and other public figures. However, you may not know about everything that happens behind the scenes to ensure that these individuals are successful in their careers. That is where a talent manager and their unique skillset come into play.

What Does a Talent Manager Do?

Here are some common talent manager duties:

• Recruit Clients: Talent managers recruit and choose their clients. Talent managers may represent a certain type of client. For example, one talent manager may choose to work with only basketball players while another talent manager may prefer to work with country musicians.
• Find Resources: Talent managers help their clients find resources. These could include auditions, travel accommodations, connections, agents, opportunities and more.
• Schedule: Scheduling is another important task for talent managers as their clients may become busy. Talent managers must be careful to schedule their clients’ games or performances.
• Advise: Advising clients is an important duty of a talent manager. They may advise their clients on anything from contract negotiations to social media to auditions.
• Promote and Market: Promotions and marketing are crucial to help clients get gigs and positions. Talent managers may ensure that their clients are appropriately marketed.

Who Does a Talent Manager Work With?

Talent managers may work with an assortment of clients depending on their backgrounds. Some clients that you might represent in this career include:

• Athletes
• Musicians
• Authors and writers
• Actors
• Dancers
• Bands
• Singers
• Other performers

You may have a certain passion and decide to work with clients who share your passion or, if the location you live in attracts a certain type of athlete or performer, you may choose to focus on that clientele.

Aside from working with clients, these professionals also have to work with other individuals. For example, a talent manager may have to work with a casting director to get auditions for their client. They may also work with family members, talent agents or interns.

How to Become a Talent Manager

Various paths can help you achieve your professional goals. If you are interested in becoming a talent manager, you will need to take a few steps to prepare yourself for a successful career.

Learn About Your Field

You’ll need to gain knowledge about your field of interest. For example, if you want to work with athletes, familiarizing yourself with various sports and positions is greatly beneficial.

Do you want to work with baseball players? Make sure to watch baseball games and fully understand both the games and what goes on behind the scenes. Do you want to work with actors and actresses who perform in dramas and theater? Research what goes into these kinds of productions and what is required of a talent manager in this field.

Earn Your Degree

There are various degrees you can earn to help you develop a career as a talent manager. One option you may want to consider is a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Entertainment Management. A bachelor’s degree in sports and entertainment management can teach you many skills that will be of value in this field.

Some topics and courses in a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Entertainment Management program include:

• Introduction to Sports and Entertainment Management
• Customer Engagement
• Sports and Entertainment Law
• Fundamentals of Business Finance
• Sports and Entertainment Revenue Generation
• Organizational Behavior and Management

There are other degree options you might also consider that can help you become a talent manager. 

You may be wondering, Can I become a talent manager without a degree? Although it is not completely impossible to make your way in this industry without a degree, earning at least a bachelor’s degree is a smart move for career success.

Gain Experience and Apply for Internships

Because most successful talent managers have substantial experience in their fields, you are unlikely to become a talent manager right away. You could gain the necessary experience in talent agencies or other jobs in the entertainment industry. Keep an eye open for internships opportunities and apply for lower-level positions in your field. This can help you learn about the industry and earn the trust of your future clients.

The skills and knowledge you will gain from your degree and work experience will not only help you in your career but can also empower you to better serve your clients and their needs.

Are you interested in a career as a talent manager? Consider attending Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business to earn your Bachelor of Science in Sports and Entertainment Management. GCU also offers other related degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising. If you think this career could be for you, click on the Request Info button at the top of the screen to learn more.