What professional opportunities await you outside of an entry level pharma sales rep position? The rapidly growing biopharma industry needs leaders to manage sales forces at the local, district and regional levels. If you want to pursue a management position in sales, you will have to develop the leadership skills required for mentoring and developing less experienced sales reps.
You can also advance in the pharmaceutical sales industry by moving into larger markets, as well as marketing a larger number of different medications. It might not appear to be the right time to set career goals, but when you start as an entry-level sales representative, you should at least have a general idea about how you want your career to progress.
You do not have to put time limits on when you want to advance as a pharmaceutical sales professional; you just need to craft a rough draft on where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Although it is important to learn from other professionals in this field, the bottom line is you will not get to where you want to go unless you create your own unique career path.
For example, starting as a pharma sales rep can lead to advancing into other positions other than management. You might want to work as a pharmaceutical sales professionals to acquire a fundamental understanding of different medications. After a few years, you decide to go back to school to earn a degree that helps you become a licensed pharmacist.
Just because you will market products that consumers need does not mean every sales pitch will be accepted by a healthcare professional licensed to prescribe FDA approved drugs. You can expect to go through the ups and downs of a sales position. Learning how to rebound after a day of no sales is a key component to advancing in the pharmaceutical industry. You will also have to be resilient to handle the long hours on the road that take you to different sales markets. Pharmaceutical sales representative that advance quickly are willing to sacrifice personal time to improve their professional credentials.
The more you travel, the more contacts you will establish with prospective buyers. Because of the need to travel as a pharma sales rep, you will have to master the art of time management. The world of pharmaceutical sales is competitive. There are numerous sales representatives who would love to have the same job and a great sales career.
How can you be sure you have what it takes to get the job? You need to have good people skills when going out to market a product. Get to know your client before you step foot in the door in order to have a leg up.
Do they like a friendly, personal tone? Or are they strictly business? Good sales reps do their homework. Active listening is an important part of having good people skills. Be sure to take a step back and listen to what potential clients are saying: They just might be giving you the clues you need to close the sale. Sharp problem-solving skills are also key to a good sales presentation.
The pharmaceutical industry is constantly changing. Technology and science are rapidly evolving, and it is important to stay on the top of these updates. You must demonstrate a strong knowledge of the product you are selling in order to answer questions and show the product in a positive light. Check this list for some ways to read the latest news in your field:. Consider investing in a tablet for on-the-go reading opportunities. Magazines are now delivered digitally, and your bookmarks are available on any device.
Pitching a new drug usually requires a presentation. People considering pharmaceutical sales, even at an entry level, will need to be comfortable speaking in a public setting.
Whether it be one-on-one with a doctor, or to a purchasing committee, clear articulation is important, especially when using industry jargon. Prepping your pitch before you get to your presentation will help you to stay calm and focus on the information. Be sure to know the proper pronunciation of drug names to avoid looking foolish.
If you have prepared a PowerPoint presentation to accompany your pitch, be sure everything is ready to go before your meeting. Now is the time for you to put your best foot forward and continue developing your skills. Advance your career by surrounding yourself with mentors who are truly invested in your success. Find mentors who have been in the field for at least 10 years and have walked down a similar career path.
Leadership roles often lead to bigger paychecks and more perks, but also come with more responsibilities. If you see yourself stepping into a leadership role someday, spend time thinking about where you see your career in the next five years, both professionally and personally.
Do you see yourself hustling? It might make sense to keep working in sales. Do you envision yourself mentoring a team? Maybe you should invest in leadership development opportunities.
Make both short- and long-term goal lists to help you reach your ideal career. After creating your list, share it with management and mentors so your team of supporters can help you reach your goals. While others are letting their pharma sales careers pass them by, you can take advantage of opportunities to continue building a successful career. Karyn Mullins is the President at MedReps, a job board that gives members access to the most sought-after medical sales jobs and pharmaceutical sales jobs on the Web.
0コメント