Medical sales representative

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You can start by doing a degree in:

• biology
• pharmacy
• biomedical sciences
• medical engineering

It may be possible to get into this career with a non-science degree. For example, a business or marketing degree can be useful, especially if you have some knowledge of medical sales.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a sales executive higher apprenticeship, or a business-to-business sales professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers will look for people with an understanding of what medical sales involves and have experience in nursing, healthcare, sales or marketing.

If you do not have a science or healthcare background, you'll need a lot of sales experience and the ability to learn about medicines and therapies in detail. An A level or equivalent in biology or applied science, or a diploma in health and social care, may give you an advantage.

OtherRoutes

You could join a medical sales company on a graduate training scheme if you have a degree. A science degree is very useful but employers will accept other subjects if you have A levels or equivalent in science and a flair for sales.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persuading and negotiating skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• maths knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• business management skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Medical sales representatives work for pharmaceutical companies, selling drugs, medicines and medical equipment to health professionals.

In this job, you will:

• arrange appointments with clients and ‘cold call’ new contacts
• give presentations and persuade clients to use or buy your company’s products
• build strong relationships with medical staff
• provide an after-sales service
• plan work schedules
• meet sales targets
• organise and attend medical conferences
• check competitors’ products and prices
• keep records and reporting back to head office

Location : You could work in an office or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

With experience and a good track record in sales, you could become an area or regional manager, or move into marketing or product and account management.