Talent management has a certain allure to it. Imagine working behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, helping to coordinate a blockbuster movie premiere, book a talk show appearance, or finalize a touring schedule.

Full Sail alum Ryan Nagle has found that world too enticing to pass up, and worked hard after graduation to secure a position at one of Hollywood’s top talent agencies, International Creative Management, Inc. (ICM).

A longtime music fan, Ryan’s interest in talent management grew while a student in Full Sail’s Recording Arts and Entertainment Business programs, and he’s channeled that training into building his career. As an assistant in ICM’s concert division, Ryan has worked with a number of today’s top touring artists, including Chris Brown, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Ben Folds, Van Morrison, and Ne-Yo.

“I realized I wanted to be a talent agent after learning about the business and how it worked during my studies at Full Sail,” he shares. “My passion has always been music. After graduation, I just dug in and started researching my career as a talent agent. Every day I feel very blessed that I have this job; I work with great people, and enjoy every moment.”

Ryan currently works alongside Lucia Chang, Northeast Booking agent at ICM. Far from your typical 9 to 5 job, his days include securing deposits, finding venue availability, talking to buyers, and keeping track of ticket counts.

“We have numerous pending dates that are always ongoing, and I’m responsible for things like getting the contracts in on time so that everything runs smoothly,” he explains about the work. “We do a lot of business with talent buyers and venues and work alongside the Artist’s managers to advance an upcoming date. And that’s probably the best part about the business, meeting people, talking to people, and just being exposed to so much music.”

Already working on the summer 2009 touring schedule for ICM clients, Ryan is thrilled to be contributing to the careers of some of the most creative minds in the entertainment industry. Looking back on his eight months at ICM, he offered advice to anyone looking to follow in his footsteps – assuring that even the most dedicated can get their start no matter what their location.

“Network – that word was instilled in my brain at Full Sail and it’s never left,” he offers. “Research your area and find out what’s going on. Go to a venue and talk to a talent buyer and ask them for advice. I think that’s the best way. This business is all about who you know.”

“So just get some experience – even if it’s with a small management company - get out there and work! I look back at being in school trying to decide what I wanted to do – and it feels so rewarding [that] I just went for it, and I’m actually here now and have my career.”