How to Get Started in NFL Scouting Jobs
NFL scouts are responsible for identifying and evaluating potential talent. They attend college football games and practices to observe players’ abilities and determine their potential for success in the NFL. They then prepare detailed reports for general managers and coaches.
To become a successful scout, you must possess a variety of skills. These include extensive knowledge of the game and a good gut feeling.
Getting Started
One of the best ways to get started in NFL scouting is by working an internship. This will give you valuable experience in the field and will also put you in contact with key decision-makers in the NFL.
You will need to be a hard worker and a team player to succeed as an NFL scout. You will be spending hours watching game film and making notes. In addition, you will need to travel and visit different schools. This can be difficult for people who are not good with time management.
It is also important to have communication skills. You will be required to discuss your findings with other scouts and coaches. Ultimately, the success of your career as an NFL scout will depend on your ability to convince others of your evaluations. This can be a challenging task, as not all players will make the grade.
Getting a Job
To become an NFL scout, you must have strong football knowledge and be able to evaluate talent. Typically, scouts travel extensively to attend college football games and practices. They also conduct background checks and interview players. Ultimately, they provide detailed evaluations and assessments that aid coaches, general managers, and team owners during the draft and free-agent signing process.
In addition to a strong football knowledge, a successful NFL scout must have good people skills. This is important because scouts frequently work in teams, and they must be able to communicate with their colleagues effectively.
Many NFL scouts start their careers in lower-level positions, such as an intern or assistant scouting position. This gives them valuable experience and helps them establish a network inside the football world. They can then move up to a full-time scouting job. In addition, they should consider obtaining professional certifications to boost their credibility. The PFSA, for example, offers scouting certification programs that can help scouts get ahead.
Getting Paid
NFL scouting departments are the backbone of a professional sports organization. While this position may seem daunting, those who are passionate about football can find satisfaction in this career path. The job requires a wide range of skills, including communication and analytical skills. Additionally, it is important to develop a strong understanding of the game.
According to Dan Bechta of the National Football Post, a director of college scouting makes an average of $275,000 per year. This includes the salary of regional and area scouts who travel to evaluate collegiate players.
In addition to a good education, scouting jobs require a passion for the sport. A background in coaching is also helpful, as it can expedite the process of getting a scouting job. However, coaches must be aware of the NFL’s strict standards for communicating with young talent. These rules include not promising players contracts or endorsement deals and avoiding giving gifts to recruits. Moreover, scouts must be able to provide detailed statistical analyses of prospects.
Getting a Promotion
A scout’s success often depends on their ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with others. They spend a lot of time away from home, attending matches and preparing reports on players and clubs. This can be stressful and demanding, especially in the early stages of their career.
A lot of football scouts are former players who have intricate knowledge of the game. But some have never played, and pursued seemingly unrelated bachelor’s degrees like business, marketing, or psychology, despite being avid football fans. They can still do the job well because they have the right skills, such as patience and open-mindedness. Their jobs involve long hours and travel, so they also have to be flexible. They need to be able to work evenings and weekends when attending football matches. They also have to stay up to date with the latest information about their teams and competitors. They are also required to abide by the NFL’s scouting standards, including not offering gifts or money to players.