If you wanna walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk of a pro model, first educate yourself and know what's out there before jumping into the fast paced world of fashion and modeling. Ask yourself truthful questions and be prepared for rejection just as much as success.

Do you have what it takes to be a model? Everyone dreams of the glitz and glam life. Whether you've got what it takes or not to succeed in such a competitive industry, there are agencies out there that thrive on ripping innocent people off, so please proceed with caution.

The truth is that it is very difficult to make a career out of modeling. However, even if you are pursuing this as a hobby, there are key elements to keep in mind while looking for a legitimate agency.

First of all, you should not have to pay hundreds of dollars to be a part of an agency. If a director of an agency thinks you can get work, she/he will not make you pay for ‘workshops' to ‘learn how to be a model,' or convince you to pay hundreds of dollars for a beginner photo shoot. A lot of jobs can be attained by a simple Polaroid that shows you just as you are, and although comp-cards are an asset to have, they are not always necessary.

The Internet is a great resource, to not only learn more about this industry, but search for agencies and jobs yourself. If you are looking to belong to an agency, ask them questions. Know how many people on their roster get legitimate work. Ask what type of work is often provided, as an agency can never guarantee work they can give you an idea of what they can offer and what they have done in the past.

Even if an agency claims to be a member of the Better Business Bureau, it doesn't mean that they are not going to take advantage of you. It just means they have been able to get away charging hundreds of people thousands of dollars for workshops that claim to further your career, but have never been seriously reported. Demand to know exactly what you are paying for!

This article is not meant to discourage you and your dreams, but instead to educate and inform you of the realities that are out there. Like any type of monetary or time investment, you want to ensure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.