Summer Types: The Professional

Summer is a time to experiment. It is an opportunity to pursue lifelong ambitions or explore new passions. For some Agoura Hills teenagers, summer can even provide a chance to try out a possible career. Incoming Agoura High School sophomore Daniel Aronsohn had just that opportunity when he traveled to the Bronx, NY, with two friends from AHS to learn how to be a professional sports agent.

For 10 days, Aronsohn lived in the dorms of Fordham University and attended the National Student Leadership Conference: Sports and Entertainment Management (NSLC). There, he learned how to negotiate sports contracts, polish a player's image and handle an athlete's delicate psyche. But Aronsohn's summer isn't all fun and (managing) games. He also has to read Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein and write two essays on them for his English II Honors class. 

Patch caught up with Aronsohn to learn about what it takes to be a successful sports agent and how he's coming along on his summer assignments.

Agoura Hills Patch: What was daily life like at sports agent camp?

Daniel Aronsohn: At NSLC, we would start our day simulating the career of a professional athlete, signing their contracts and improving their image. We would also hear from guest speakers—people involved in the sports management industry. Sports agent and professor Rob Romano, as well as Octagon [a top sports agency] account manager Nate Walsh, came to talk to us. In other classes, we would write letters to teams and companies to get deals done with our imaginary client. The classes were really interesting, but we were given a break at the end of each day. We had dances and ice cream socials to finish off our day.

Patch: What types of skills did you learn?

Aronsohn: We learned negotiating skills with a real sports agent and an accomplished lawyer. We had classes with a psychologist, Dr. Sal Corbin, that showed us effective communication strategies. Mike Zanca, who is the coordinator of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, spoke to us about money management.   

Patch: Do you plan on becoming a sports agent and, if so, how did the camp influence your decision?

Aronsohn: I would love to be a sports agent. This conference showed me the amount of work that goes into the job, but also the satisfaction and enjoyment that results. The counselors and teachers at the conference made the experience entertaining and memorable.

Patch: Are you planning on going back? Why or why not?

Aronsohn: The NSLC has many different programs. I went to the sports and entertainment management program, but there are many others that I would attend. Some of the other programs include theater, business and entrepreneurship, and law and advocacy.  I would definitely be interested in attending other programs that the NSLC offers.

Patch: How did sports agent camp factor into your progress on your summer homework?

Aronsohn: My plan to complete my summer homework is quite simple. I have read both of the books, highlighting important parts and taking notes. I will relate the two books in two separate essays, which I plan on starting soon.

Patch: Are you going to put this camp on your college application? If so, what do you hope it shows about you?

Aronsohn: This conference will surely be on my college application. I hope it shows my willingness to learn and dedication to sports and entertainment management.