Krystall asked:
I am really interested in a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative but I haven’t a clue where to start, especially what schooling is required and if there is any other experience needed, so if anyone could help so I can get started on the right track I would really appreciate it.
I am really interested in a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative but I haven’t a clue where to start, especially what schooling is required and if there is any other experience needed, so if anyone could help so I can get started on the right track I would really appreciate it.
Tags: Career, Clue, Pharmaceutical Representative, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
how old are you and have you been to school yet?
I am an auditor for a pharmaceutical company in California, email me i can let you know more about it.
I work in the Pharma industry. Schooling wise you will need a scientific oriented degree. Biology, Chemistry, Pre-med…..etc.
The path most of our reps have taken is to get a job straight out of college working in the tech services or QA/QC (quality control) departments of a Pharma company. This will help you with your technical knowledge. While working in these departments it is advised to start working on a Masters in Business. The next step after gaining a few years of technical product knowledge for that company, apply for a ATM position (Area Tech Manager). These are people who assist the sales reps when dealing with technical issues with customers. Once you have the Masters degree and sufficient Tech knowledge, you will be set to apply any where you wish for a sales rep position. Expect a base salary of around 120K per year plus commission.
The Pharmaceutical Sales profession may not be for someone who is unwilling, or unable, to devote more than 40 hours a week. Besides the need to be out in the field for 6+ hours each day for face-to-face discussions with doctors in their clinics, you will also find yourself having to spend evening hours hosting dinner programs, 1-on-1 discussions with doctors during dinner, plus having to sit in front of your computer at night to enter in your calls for the day and pre-call plan for the next day. Many long hours indeed. you may be able to squeeze in a few personal time in between, but that would certainly be unwise.
You will need to have some medical education, or a company that is willing to train.
Your best bet is to phone a company direct and ask for advice. You are young enough to ask, they will find you endearing, not annoying.
The good thing about contacting companies you think may be the kind you’ll end up working for is, they can tell you exactly the best place to study, the best people to talk to etc…
I would bet if you got hold of somebody high up at the right time (ie don’t call them at lunchtime) They would give you tons of information that you wouldn’t get at a career’s office.
I’ve litterally been bold as brass, had cheek like you wouldn’t believe when looking for work, and I’ve rarely been met with indifference.
Find out who is high up, have the names of people you think have the best positions and info, be most interesting to talk to..it’ll help if the secutary isn’t too helpful.
You can find things out like that from the companies website or if you are stuck try companies house. All MD’s are listed somewhere and all of them have invaluable information..they are at the top of there game, what they don’t know, isn’t worth knowing, and they all love giving back, and helping others.