Steven Gersh ’01 is an agent representing both artists and athletes in the entertainment and sports industries. Gersh said his job is about supporting his clients and helping them reach their full potential while also having ability to juggle many events in a day.
“I work with incredibly talented people across sports and entertainment, helping them navigate their careers and reach levels they might not have otherwise,” Gersh said. “It’s a lot of problem-solving and moving from issue to issue,” Gersh said. “But there’s also a balance between meetings, pitching, negotiating and working with a team internally.”
His main work is client representation, a role that includes more than only negotiating contracts. Gersh said he operates as both a strategist and an advocate, helping clients navigate an industry that is ever-changing.
“My job encompasses really everything,” Gersh said. “It’s helping produce opportunities for [my clients] them, positioning them as best as possible, and then helping execute those opportunities once they get them.”
From identifying the right opportunities to shaping how clients are perceived, Gersh said he plays a key role in their careers at every stage.
“Every client is different,” Gersh said. “There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about helping them through whatever process they need and whatever goals they have.”
Gersh said persistence and the ability to function within a team are necessary for success in the industry.
“Hard work and determination are some of the most important traits an agent can have,” Gersh said. “You have to be a creative problem solver and be willing to put in the work. A lot of what we do is done in teams. You have to be willing to rely on others and have others rely on you.”
Like many industries, client representation is beginning to feel the effects of artificial intelligence. However, Gersh said he sees these changes as tools for the future.
“For us, it’s more of a research tool,” Gersh said. “It hasn’t replaced what people do, and there are still protections in place. It’s about understanding it and being willing to adapt, but not letting it replace human work.”
Gersh said one of the most difficult challenges is maintaining balance. The demands of being an agent rarely fit within a traditional schedule, often extending into nights, weekends, and travel.
“It’s an all-consuming job,” Gersh said. “You have to give everything when you’re working, but you also have to make sure you’re present for your family when you need to be. Clients understand that if they know how hard you work for them. My biggest regret was not taking time off before starting my career. The professional road is long. Make sure you enjoy life before you fully dive in, because it’s hard to step away once you start.”
Gersh said, as a student at the school, he improved two main skills that have continued to shape his approach to work today.
“[I developed] A willingness to compete and an ability to write,” Gersh said. “Those were the two most important things I learned. My time on the tennis team stands out. I’m still close with a lot of those guys. One of my doubles partners is still one of my best friends. There’s no set formula for this job. It’s about working hard, staying adaptable, and being there for the people you represent.”
