Do you need an agent? You may have heard about literary agents. Many people are intrigued by the idea of a professional writer having an agent, just like a rock star or a movie star would have. At this point in your writing career, when you are just starting to pick up writing jobs for pay and learn the intricacies of the professional writing career, you don't necessarily need a literary agent. If you will ever need an agent depends on many different factors.

Do you someday hope to publish a book? Do you want representation?

If your plan is to compose articles and other short pieces for your entire career and you have no desire to deal with an agent or publishing a book, then you may never need an agent. If, on the other hand, your ultimate plan is to use your writing in the beginning as a steppingstone towards bigger and better things - such as becoming an author - then you may someday find yourself in the position where an agent's representation would be a logical next step.

You probably aren't at that point now, however, so looking for an agent and seeking representation is not something that you should be worrying about at this stage in your writing career. If the day does come when you need an agent then there are plenty of resources for finding literary agent representation, but for now you have other things to worry about.