Work for a professional athlete
There is an overlooked niche in the celebrity assistant world, and that's working for professional athletes. Although the personal assistant jobs we see on TV typically involve actors, the roles working for a professional athlete are a lot more abundant and widespread.
There are about 120 sports teams in the United States alone and more than 10,000 players in professional sports. That's an average of 200 sports figures in each state. In short, there are more opportunities than ever to get jobs with professional athletes.
There are about 120 sports teams in the United States alone and more than 10,000 players in professional sports. That's an average of 200 sports figures in each state. In short, there are more opportunities than ever to get jobs with professional athletes.
What jobs are available to professional athletes?
If you want to work for a public figure like a sports star, it can be done in many different ways. Here are some ideas:
On the personal side
- Personal assistant: Manage the athlete's day-to-day living (lifestyle management) and communicate with medical professionals on the VIP's team
- House manager: In charge of all things inside the mansion, like domestic staff
- Driver: Drives the public figure to personal appearances and sporting events
- Bodyguard: Protects the celebrity athlete and their family from obsessed fans
- Nanny: Cares for and tutors the children
On the athletics side
- Athletic trainers: Assist with training, injury prevention, and sports medicine
- Athletic director: Coaching for peak performance, creating exercise programs, and managing the team.
- Fitness coaches: Design training regimens, coach the athletes, and assist with injuries
On the entertainment side
- Sports agent: Books appearances at athletic events and manages the player's contracts
- Publicist: Fields offers to work for charities and causes the athlete cares about
- Entertainment lawyer: Negotiates offers and celebrity endorsements
- Personal manager: Guides the sports career of the athlete
What is the average salary for assistants in professional sports?
The average annual salary for a celebrity assistant is $62,000, but remuneration can skyrocket depending on several factors:
Candidates with several years of experience working for a professional athlete could command over $150,000 a year if they have a thorough knowledge of the sport in which they seek employment.
- The level of education
- The college degree (e.g., sports marketing)
- International travel experience
- Previous experience in pro sports
Candidates with several years of experience working for a professional athlete could command over $150,000 a year if they have a thorough knowledge of the sport in which they seek employment.
Do assistants in Major League Baseball earn the most?
If you want to gain employment as a personal assistant or estate manager (aka house manager) to a professional athlete, we don't recommend focusing on just MLB. The sports world has a lot to offer:
Any of the major leagues are a great place to start. Also, if you have extensive knowledge in other areas that aren't team sports -- like MMA, tennis, boxing, or NASCAR -- send out your resume to see what job offers you can get.
- NBA: National Basketball Association
- NFL: National Football League
- NHL: National Hockey League
- MLS: Major League Soccer
- PGA: Professional Golf Association
Any of the major leagues are a great place to start. Also, if you have extensive knowledge in other areas that aren't team sports -- like MMA, tennis, boxing, or NASCAR -- send out your resume to see what job offers you can get.
How can I get my resume to professional athletes?
There are many ways to get your resume to professional athletes:
Other organizations, like associations for celebrity assistants, can also give you a leg up. It's also possible to get additional training from specialized PA career coaches like Brian Daniel. In short, there are no "rules" for scoring jobs with professional athletes.
- Contact facilities where pro athletes train
- Write letters to sports marketing agencies
- Contact celebrity assistant headhunters
- Reach out to local coaches to ask about job opportunities
Other organizations, like associations for celebrity assistants, can also give you a leg up. It's also possible to get additional training from specialized PA career coaches like Brian Daniel. In short, there are no "rules" for scoring jobs with professional athletes.
Qualifications to work for professional athletes
If you have never participated in collegiate athletics or have no higher education at all, don't fret. You can gain employment with a professional athlete with a high school diploma. Be advised of the following:
Personal assistant careers in professional sports don't follow a typical career path like other jobs, so don't worry. One of the most important considerations if you want to work for professional athletes is to be able to demonstrate that you have transferable skills. For example, explaining your experience in event management during a job interview would help you separate yourself from the competition.
- Candidates typically need to pass drug tests
- Letters from former employers indicating superior performance at work are required
- Intermediate skills with technology are required
Personal assistant careers in professional sports don't follow a typical career path like other jobs, so don't worry. One of the most important considerations if you want to work for professional athletes is to be able to demonstrate that you have transferable skills. For example, explaining your experience in event management during a job interview would help you separate yourself from the competition.
Can a staffing agency get me a job with a professional athlete?
Staffing agencies like The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network specialize in jobs serving professional athletes in the major leagues. When you go through an agency, though, it's advised to have prior experience in sports because the competition is stiff. If you don't have a "connection" to an athletic director or someone involved in team sports, then there is no harm in trying your luck with a professional headhunter.
Do careers in sports have long-term job growth?
Yes, because athletes compete at the professional level, and that will never change. With over 100 sports teams in the United States, professional athletes will always need personal assistants, house managers, drivers, and bodyguards to protect them.
Star athletes typically have multiple estates worldwide and employ small armies of domestic staff for lifestyle management, so job security exists in the field.
Star athletes typically have multiple estates worldwide and employ small armies of domestic staff for lifestyle management, so job security exists in the field.
Filed Under: contact a celebrity, how to work for a celebrity in sports
