2 answers
Emily’s Answer
I highly suggest you look into internship opportunities in your area or see if someone in the role would be willing to let you observe them while they do their job. It is so much easier to have that hands on or visual experience rather than just reading about it.
Ian’s Answer
There is no single path for any career but, here are some things to consider. Either play or coach whatever sport you're interested in scouting. Having some skin in the game shows you understand the nuances of the sport. A lot of us watch sports, but it's different when you've played or coached. Remember, you are trying to find the top college or professional draft picks. There is a lot of $$$ involved, so you need to know what to look for. The second thing is your education. Nowadays, a bachelor's degree is standard but there is flexibility. You can major in sports management, exercise science or even marketing and sales! There are some certifications out there but I would be careful. Just because it say certified, does not mean it is a quality credential. The most important part of your college education, aside for the education itself, is interning. You need to intern in the scouting profession to really see what it is like. Most importantly, you have to live sports. Yes you've played or coached, but you also spent countless hours watching and breaking down films. I hope this helps and good luck!