perrywarrior

I'm a junior in highschool and am really starting to get into the college process. I really want to be a talent agent, or just work in the entertainment industry. I realize that to get into this business, you need contacts. I have the ability to internship at a agency in LA during college, and the ability to intern at a sports agency hopefully during highschool. I was wondering what major i should take in college, and whether or not i need to go to law school(which im not sure if i can do). These are the following schools im considering applying to: Boston University, George Washington, Hofstra, Pitt, Syracuse, Temple

jdp349

From what I understand about being a talent agent its all about maintaining an image that gives off the impression of extreme confidence and competence. High profile talent needs someone they feel they can trust with extremely important career decisions. As you can imagine, degrees from top schools help boost your credibility especially when you're young and have very little to back up your reputation. As you can imagine agencies like CAA, UTA or William Morris are aware of this.

I go to NYU, going into my senior year. I've been interning with NBC Universal for several semesters and have also considered a career as a talent agent but am hesitant because it is the most cut throat of careers in perhaps the most cut throat of all industries, to be honest the idea is somewhat intimidating.

The path to becoming a talent agent isn't straight forward like becoming and accountant, lawyer, doctor, or investment banker, it's far more unpredictable. Seeing as a talent agent is bridge between the creative and business end of the industry I'd pick a course of study that allows you to focus on both.

What that exact combo is will vary depending on what school you attend. If you go to BU check into if there is any sort of joint program between the business school and school of communications. Both programs are relatively strong.

If I were at NYU I'd do a major in finance at stern with a double minor in producing and creative writing. Also I'd recommend learning how to deal with artists and actors. Learn how to get them to talk about themselves and their work (easiest thing in the world) and not come off like a boring suit (a little bit harder).

MartinSMC

It doesn't matter where you go to school, trust me. Just network, network, and network. Try to figure out if someone you know works in the entertainment industry, and start from there.

I started out in college not knowing a thing about the industry, but after an internship in the right place, I've met people who have referred me to other people, and so on. When I graduate, there's an extremely high chance that I'll end up at CAA--all because of networking.

Truth is, you either have it or you dont; if you do, try to meet the right people and eventually work your way in. If you can, go to school at either UCLA, USC, or LMU; it'll help greatly in regards to internships and connections to the entertainment industry.

researchmaven

Syracuse has a "semester in LA" program for those in the Newhouse School television and film major. Part of that program is an internship. It's a great program for making contacts!