In addition to awarding the best medical and pharmaceutical sales companies to work for in their annual survey, MedReps’ 2016 Best Places to Work in Medical Sales Awards also highlighted the top biotech sales companies, as voted on by biotech sales professionals.
Interestingly, while this year’s winners are once again large companies, 83% of respondents, if given the chance, would prefer to work for a small or medium-sized company (fewer than 10,000 employees).
Besides their preference to work for smaller companies, biotech sales respondents said a strong product line and commitment to research and development were the top two qualities they expect from the best biotech companies. On the subject of corporate culture and employee growth, competitive compensation and a culture of work-life balance claimed the top two spots.
When asked what the best thing about their biotech sales job was, sales reps were pretty evenly split between the life-saving products, working with interesting people, and the autonomy the job affords. These answers were pretty similar to the sales rep responses in both the medical and pharmaceutical fields.
According to the biotech survey, a little more than half of respondents said they were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied in their jobs. However, just like their counterparts in medical device and pharmaceutical sales, a majority (76%) said it was somewhat or very likely that they would leave their job within the next year. With new mergers and acquisitions consistently happening, this is more likely a reflection of the uncertainty felt throughout the industry than a comment on job satisfaction.
Narrowing down the field into three of the best places to work in biotech sales was no easy task. However, after each company was scored and individual respondent votes were tabulated, MedReps was able to place them accordingly. Here are 2016’s top three biotech companies to work for:
Gilead
Gilead was named a top biotech employer for the second year in a row, claiming the #1 spot on MedReps’ Best Biotech Companies to Work For list. Known for innovation, the company’s cutting-edge products and commitment to research and development make Gilead an industry leader, as well as a biotech company that sales professionals truly want to work for.
Employee Quote:
“What I do makes a difference because of Gilead’s lean sales structure. Humble top leadership sets a great corporate culture. Gilead is a leader in some of the most cutting edge therapy in the world.”
In addition, products and innovative research were commonly cited as main reasons why Gilead is the best biotech company to work for among current employees and those hoping to get a biotechnology sales job with them. Sales reps mentioned the following advantages of working at Gilead:
– “Pipeline.”
– “Solid product line.”
– “The products.”
– “Forefront of technology.”
– “Great culture, great pay, promote from within.”
– “Their growth and future pipeline as well as the career track.”
– “Progressive and a great pipeline.”
Amgen
Amgen, the self-described “biotechnology pioneer,” earned a spot on the 2016 list and is no stranger to it. For the 4th consecutive year, the company made the list of the Top Biotech Companies to Work For. Amgen has a simple mission: to serve patients. This mission drives everything the company does. Its science-based approach has allowed Amgen to help millions of patients in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases.
Amgen sales reps have the benefit of solid name recognition and truly innovative products. They also enjoy a work environment that is both collaborative and competitive. The compensation and benefits offered by Amgen attract top sales talent from around the country.
Employee Quote:
“It has stayed employee-focused through much change. Their pay remains extremely competitive and the PTO is second to none. I don’t know of any other company that gives the week of the 4th of July off every year. Finally, they create competitions that make everyone feel like they have a chance at winning and are rewarded very well if you win.”
Current Amgen sales reps as well as prospective employees mentioned the following benefits of working for the company:
– “Innovative, customer-focused, generous compensation, and entrepreneurial.”
– “Personnel driven.”
– “Pipeline.”
– “Biotechnology, strong pipeline.”
– “Stability and value.”
– “Great products, great company, career advancement.”
– “The ingenuity of the products they market.”
Biogen
Biogen claimed this year’s #3 spot on the Best Places to Work in Biotech list. Although a 2016 newcomer, Biogen is no stranger to excellence and those who know about the biotech industry are more than familiar with the company.
Biogen prides itself on making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and it does so by developing breakthrough therapies for autoimmune disorders, neurogenerative diseases, and hemophilia.
The culture of excellence at Biogen emphasizes collaboration, innovation, diversity, and work-life balance. Benefits of biotech sales jobs at Biogen include: competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients.
Survey respondents gave the following reasons for pursuing Biogen sales jobs:
– “Good work-life balance along with competitive pay.”
– “I’ve heard Biogen treats its people well.”
– “Recognition in the industry.”
– “Innovation and solid marketing.”
– “Good corporate culture.”
– “People.”
Similar to medical sales jobs and pharmaceutical sales jobs, biotech sales jobs offer many perks. There is a lot to like about biotechnology sales jobs, and working for some of the top biotech companies like Gilead, Amgen, and Biogen makes the experience even better.