Think that hobnobbing with celebrities all day won’t require a little math? Find out how talent agent careers can really be math careers. Meet Liz, a recent college graduate on the road to becoming a talent agent, and find out how she uses math and other skills in her career.

How do you use math at a talent agency?

“Artists aren’t very good with calculators and agents are too busy talking at a fast pace, so I get to use basic math to calculate how much money they [the artists] make, the agent makes, and how much the promoter should make. I should have taken a math class in college.”

- Liz Allen, Assistant to a Talent Agent

New York City, New York

What is a talent agent?
If you daydream of Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga playing your birthday party, you’d better find their agents and do some serious sweet talking. Agents work with a range of clients from Hollywood stars to sports heroes. Agents handle contract negotiations, event bookings and all business matters, so their clients can perform without worrying a bit about their next big gig or paycheck.

How much education do you need?
Most talent agent careers require a bachelor’s degree.

Does this career fit your personality type?
This career is great for enterprising, social and conventional types.

SKILLS YOU NEED

Creativity Creative thinking makes new stars shine! Talent agents need creativity to design promotions and develop key relationships. Leadership Knowing when to speak your mind and how to influence people’s decisions helps talent agents move ahead and succeed in this field. Time Mastery Time is ticking! Talent agents have to move quickly, spread the word and book jobs for the people they represent. Writing Good writing skills are essential to communicating well with clients, peers and of course press! Brain Power Talent agents have to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their clients, decide how to promote them, and negotiate contracts. Teamwork Being a good team player means working well with clients to establish their image and start spreading the word. Doing Good Helping other people move up and make a name for themselves is a huge part of this career. Math Whether negotiating deals or collecting payments, talent agents have to manage their accounts and keep track of finances.

Instructions

Find one more fact about this career and share it in the response box.