Medical Sales – Career Advice
Simon Thompson on Medical salespeople liaise with healthcare professionals, pharmacists and other clients to sell them medical equipment and drugs.
The job usually involves plenty of travel as you’ll be making and fulfilling appointments with clients within your sales area. You’ll also present and demonstrate products, drive sales, provide after-sales service, be expected to hit (or exceed!) sales targets and keep full records of customers and the sales you’ve landed.
The job requires driven, persuasive individuals with an excellent knowledge of the medical world in general and any specialist sector you might be working in.
While a science degree is not always a requirement, most medical sales staff possess a life sciences degree or a wealth of experience in sales and marketing. Graduate trainee schemes are common, and many employers prefer potential employees to shadow a rep. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has a list of companies running shadowing schemes.
Once in-post, you’ll be expected to pass the ABPI’s Medical Representative’s Examination within two years.
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Other recommended resources:
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
The host of the entry examination, the ABPI also offer a wealth of industry information to help you get acquainted with the principles of medical sales and keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
Chartered Institute of Marketing
A chartered mark for professionals engaged in aspects of marketing, they also offer a wide range of short courses and qualifications for career development.
Institute of Sales and Marketing Management
A worldwide representative body for all salespeople which also offers a number of qualifications and apprenticeships in the industry.
Marketing and Managing Sales Association
An organisation aimed at offering sales education through a number of qualifications recognised both in the UK and abroad.
Sales Leadership Alliance
A collaboration of leaders in the sales industry aimed at promoting standards, excellence and best practice across all levels.
