Medical sales jobs will always be in high demand because of the nature of the job. Despite the emergence of automation in nearly every aspect of business, medical sales has largely remained a face-to-face industry. Additionally, an aging population keeps the field relevant and important.
If you’re reading this, then you’re most likely already aware of the high earning potential of medical sales. In fact, according to MedReps most recent research, the median total compensation for medical sales representatives is $149,544 with an median base of $92,698 and an average bonus of $63,318.
While it’s a known fact that medical sales is a highly competitive field with a demanding workload, if you’re up to the challenge, it’s feasible to begin building a career and making a name for yourself straight away.
It’s paramount to comprehend that unlike other fields, medical sales is a journey. A research from the 2018 MedReps salary report showed that remuneration potential is directly linked to tenure in the field. This shows you must be willing to put in the time and work to have a profitable and rewarding experience.
Before beginning on this career path, get to know the industry and figure out how it matches with your own specific career needs.
How to Become a Medical Sales Rep
The first step to actualizing your dream of becoming a medical sales representative is to choose a specialization. Specializations within the field varies from medical equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Next, you’ll need to gain field experience and enroll in trainings. You’d also need to network and grow your online presence, while connecting with industry contacts.
Here’s what you need to do to break into medical sales:
Choose a specialization.
Finding the right choice of specialization begins with exploring your personal and professional interests. You’ve to be certain you’re passionate about the field. Although medical sales is highly rewarding, it requires a solid dedication and the right attitude for success. So if you’re not truly passionate about the industry, you run a risk of becoming overly stressed and frustrated by it’s demands.
Medical sales cover a variety of specializations, which are:
- Medical devices
- Medical equipment
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
With such multiple options available, individuals can easily find an aspect of medical sales that appeals to them and suits their skillsets.
It’s paramount to point out that, although most medical sales jobs are transactional, some actually involve consultation.
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Gain field experience.
Immediately you discover the medical sales niche that interests you, then it’s time to earn some on field experience.
By now you’ve already spent a huge chunk of time and money earning degrees and certifications and even as those will certainly help, yet most hiring managers place a high value on work experience. This means opportunities you should explore at the moment are ones that’d offer you experience in the field immediately. Which include:
- Internships within your niche.
- Job shadowing an established medical sales rep.
- Volunteering at relevant facilities.
You can also gain valuable experience by accepting an entry-level job in a medical-related or sales field.
Since these positions rely heavily on transferable skills, most medical sales jobs do not require specific certifications, although most positions require candidates to have an undergraduate degree of some sort, but not in a certain concentration.
Instead, hiring managers seek ambitious, dedicated candidates. Some necessary skills to succeed as a medical sales rep include:
- Been organized
- Been flexible
- The passion for sales and marketing.
- An outstanding interpersonal communication skill.
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Close attention to detail.
- A desire to help people and have a significant impact in their lives.
The technical skills required for medical sales jobs include:
- Technical writing skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Proficiency in project management tools (Basecamp, Trello, Harvest)
- Social media experience.
- Big data analysis.
Enroll in online or in-person training.
After determining your strengths and have a handle on the required skills, then begin your training.
Employers in the medical sales industry expects you to quickly learn the company’s processes and procedures.
Signing up for various medical sales training programs on your own can give you a head start.
Irrespective of your chosen program, you must be conversant in the current trends and best practices of the industry.
Lastly, learn and stay abreast of emerging trends in technology essential to medical sales, such as:
- Wearable techs
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics
- 3D printing and desktop manufacturing
Network and build relationships.
Professional networking is paramount in any field, but in medical sales, it’s essential. As the medical sales industry gets larger daily, you’d most likely encounter same sets of people as you progress in your career. That’s why it’s necessary for you to show you’re capable of building and maintaining lasting professional relationships.
Even without industry connections as a newbie, you should be capable of proving you’re a people person. This means getting glowing recommendations and character references from a variety of people, including:
- Former employers
- University professors
- Professional contacts
- Landlords
- People you’ve done business with
Grow your online presence.
Most medical sales recruiters if today seeks a “wholesome picture” view of candidates. They’re increasingly going online to learn more about candidates, including their interests and hobbies, personal and professional background, and more.
So grow an online presence, this gives interviewers some sort of assurance that others are interested in your content enough to like, follow, and share it.
How to Become a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
If you’ve come this far, then I’d like to think you’re interested in becoming a pharmaceutical sales rep, below listed are the specific steps to take in order to achieve that dream:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Enroll in a training program.
- Get licensed or certified.
Without a shadow of doubt, I’d confidently say medical sales is a thriving and exciting industry and there is a promising future for any individual with the zeal and drive for medical sales success.
