Although there is no formal education for that specific job (Artist and Repertoire), in most cases, reps come from a couple of backgrounds:
-artist, producer, or other creative area dealing with production; also have a vast knowledge of music (broad), and a narrow expertise in one or more genres of music;
-business and marketing degree, and management experience either managing artists or working in music or media publishing.
Additionally, A&R reps have to be savvy of the local and regional music scene where they will be situated, and a good instinct is to move to those regions and become embedded in that scene. A&R reps do a lot of networking and connecting with managers of bands, and promoters of clubs and events. That’s almost a prerequisite for that line of work-including attending events and showcases where aspiring talent perform.
Another thing you can do to research this is to read one of the many music industry books that describe the creative and business/management structures, especially in this very rapidly shifting period in the industry. A good primer would be the Donald Passman book “All you need to know about the music business” (title may be incorrect, but the author name is right; he is a well-known attorney in the music business).
Lastly, a lot of A&R’s make it because of their business savvy and “street smarts.”. You should consider if those areas are srtengths for you. There are many areas if the music business beside A&R, and if you take some time to read one of those primers, you may see where your talents and aptitudes align.
Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions :)