Since we've touched on what you need to know about pharmaceutical marketing job before you apply, it's common sense to look into the other half of, or I'd like to call it the subset of marketing: selling.
People who sell for a Pharmaceutical Company is called 'pharmaceutical sales rep,' 'medical sales rep,' or 'drug rep.' There are other names, but these are the most common names.
You probably have read the article on the difference between pharma rep job and career, haven't you? They are different, and I would suggest you do a quick recap of what it is. Knowing the difference can influence your attitude. It is that important.
In selling, one expert says it awesomely, "Your attitude determines your altitude."
So, what has 12 years of pharmaceutical rep careers taught me? I have had my share of good and bad times through all those years, and how about spilling out some of them here so folks who just graduated and wandering around looking for that ‘perfect career’ or those who have thought about making a career change can profit from them? How about that? Here is my story from the beginning…
Starting a Career as a Pharmaceutical Rep
The year was 1998. I was searching high and low for a job that could match my qualification around my local town. I was turned down many times because the ‘inner voice’ inside my potential employer whispers, “This guy won’t be around long. He’s going to leave as soon as a better offer crops up.”But I was not easily discouraged…
I kept searching for expanding my search repertoire. Initially, I depend heavily on canvassing the whole area for a potential employer, knocking door to door. Then I turned to the Newspaper. One interesting thing when it comes to job search through the local daily, the English language newspapers like the New Straits Times and The Star, list more jobs opportunities than the Malay language counterparts.
Of course, back then there are only these few players but there was where I focus my search on, and I believe I was in luck due to that because can you imagine how long it will take me to land a Multinational Pharmaceutical Company job if I just concentrate on the ‘other newspaper’?
Hard for me to imagine even until now…
So let’s that be a lesson in itself. Looking for the right opportunity requires persistent effort on the right resources (soak that in).
Pharmaceutical Sales Resume – Use It to Create Favorable First Impression
There are no specific courses during my 4 years of study on how to write a powerful, compelling resume. But you know what; I learned that during my English class and again I believe I was in luck for having this ‘affinity’ towards that class. I can sleep through an hour of Anatomy lecture, but I will be fully awake and geared up during 3 hours of English class.I guess somehow I just ‘wired’ for this…
But do not freak out if you are nothing like me. If you have the desire to create high income through promoting ‘high end’ healthcare product like medicines or analyzers, there are abundances of resources available at your disposal.
You are looking at one of them, brought to you at no cost…
In all those 12 years in my pharmaceutical rep careers, I can tell you this: The knowledge and skills, you can search and develop them, and I can show you how but the desire – only YOU alone can provide that.
Not your Mom, Dad or Prof. Somebody from your school…
What does this mean? It means your chances to be successful is the same as others who want to join this industry. Do not let their 4.0 GPA or scores of extra-curricular intimidate you. The success in the Pharmaceutical Industry is a level playing field.
Your chance is equal, you are similar. The difference is in your desire. Period.
Start polishing, modeling good, powerful resume preferably while you are still in school, start adding them up and updating it once you have collected the accolades; every 3 to 6 months if you can.
And get them out there.
Careers in Pharmaceutical Sales – Build Them One Step At a Time
It took me almost 7 years before I managed to ‘upgrade’ myself to a different sales position. It did not happen by chance. For all those years, I have decided earlier on that I will work for a specific section for some time. After that, I want to move to different segments or sectors. For the first 5 years, I focused on Hospital sales, and I became extra good at it then comes the time to move.But there was no opportunity in my company at that time…
I did make my move but to a different company and to a different market segment. For the next 5 years, I learned the trade of the General Practitioner (GP) sectors in an American pharma company.
I got my promotion in my second years…
Now, after taking a year off from the job market, I am back into the Pharmaceutical Industry but with a more significant twist – I am aiming at building my medical device sales careers.
How long will I take this time? I cannot tell you much right now because I just started April last year (2008), but I know where I am heading.
I reckon that time are tough right now. I have been through some quite a few times during my working years myself but let the ageless saying guides you, “Tough time don’t last, tough people, do!” Building pharmaceutical rep careers are akin to build your muscle – it gets stronger with ‘enough’ practice. Only you can tell how much is enough.
Liberating is it not?
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