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Breaking into medical/scientific sales

The increased centralization of NHS procurement and the decrease in R&D budgets means companies need fewer reps than ever before, however this exciting, rewarding career still attracts numerous applicants every year, meaning only the very best will succeed.

Jobs in medical sales tend to be well paid with good basic salaries and a range of benefits including bonus, company car, private healthcare, pension, laptop and mobile phone normally as standard. As with any sales role, medical & scientific sales are suitable for self starters with good communication skills and a hunger for success.

The commercial world offers the following opportunities for those looking for a step in and are covered by Kirkham Young;

Laboratory Sales

Selling laboratory equipment into either the NHS or Research/University markets; you will need to be either PHD qualified with a passion to break into sales or educated to degree level in a science based subject with strong post graduation experience in the laboratory environment.

Medical Device/Equipment Sales

This role involves promoting medical equipment normally into the hospital environment, often involving post sales training for product users. These roles normally combine both clinical elements and a strong business focus as very often agreement from procurement has to be secured in addition to clinical buy in. Traditionally trainee roles in this sector come from a medical background (RGN/ODP) with occasional opportunities for hospital pharmaceutical reps with relevant contacts.

Additional roles for those looking to carve a career in the commercial world include:

Nurse Advisor/Clinical Trainer:

These positions are suitable for candidates with a nursing, radiography or ODP background with a minimum of three years post qualification experience in a specialist area.

Applications Specialists:

Training in specialist laboratory equipment you will need a strong science based degree with an in depth knowledge of the technology involved.

Other opportunities include Pharmaceutical Sales; this role involves promoting drugs to both GPs and/or hospital consultants. Trainee roles in this field tend to be degree educated in a science based subject, indeed according to the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) around half of all pharmaceutical reps have a science degree. (Kirkham Young does not specialize in this field)

In order to be considered for any of these roles it is essential you have thoroughly researched the role for which you are applying - as a minimum you must have shadowed a representative in the relevant field and have strong knowledge of the product and market area.

Useful sites:
www.abpi.org.uk
www.allaboutmedicalsales.com

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