For many aspiring salespeople, landing a job as a pharmaceutical sales rep is not only satisfying – it’s a dream come true. Being a pharmaceutical sales representative provides an excellent opportunity to pursue a gratifying career. From the good pay and countless perks, it’s easy to see why these are coveted jobs. For those who are looking to break into the pharmaceutical sales field, what level of experience or education is necessary to acquire a job in pharmaceutical sales.?
Getting Schooled
Let’s start with education. If you only have a high school diploma, you might be able to get an entry level position in pharmaceutical sales. However, most jobs will require a college degree. Additionally, most pharmaceutical sales rep jobs demand that you finish various training courses and/or receive specified certifications.
An aspiring sales rep will benefit from having a degree in a relevant field, such as the biological sciences, marketing, or business. Also, a pharmaceutical sales rep is expected to understand proper medical terminology as well as the details of transactions and regulations which govern the pharmaceutical industry. Any courses at the college level enhancing this particular knowledge can improve a prospect’s chances of employment (Study.com). Of course, attending a well-known or prestigious four-year university that specializes in the above fields is advantageous.
Concerning training and certification, most companies are willing to train newly-hired pharmaceutical sales reps in their product’s important details, especially if the new hire is right out of college. “Vocational certification programs certify that the applicant has met the product and regulatory industry requirements to be a pharmaceutical sales rep,” according to Study.com. For example, professionals can earn the title of “Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative” through either an online or in-class course given by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives (NAPR).
With a bachelor’s degree combined with certification, applicants will be qualified for many positions. Having a degree from a respected university or being certified in relevant areas might not necessarily get someone a job; however, those qualifications can set you apart from other candidates who will give you a leg up in the competition for a position.
The Experience Factor
Regarding landing a pharmaceutical sales rep job, like other jobs, the experience is more valuable than education. Employers value an employee’s ability to hit the ground running and who are equipped with the skills needed to be successful at their job.
If a pharmaceutical sales job candidate does not have a college degree, extensive experience and on the job training is vital. Equally important is having a background in sales (preferably in a related field). Pharmainfo.net echoes this idea and says, “If you have any type of work experience with any health care facility, you may get a better chance for selection.”
Because meeting with physicians and other decision making healthcare professionals fill most of a professional’s working hours, understanding how to manage time effectively are important aspects of the job. You only acquire superior time management and efficiency with experience. Likewise, candidates who know how to complete sales reports and fill out other relevant paperwork properly make themselves more attractive to pharmaceutical companies that are hiring. Knowing that a candidate understands how to do a job and is aware of the subtle nuances that go into it is reassuring to any hiring manager – they are likely to appreciate the fact that a sales rep doesn’t need additional training that could cost time and money.
Experience provides invaluable training. The truth is that no matter how much schooling a candidate has or how many degrees they’ve earned, they won’t learn as much as they could by simply doing the job. Also, if they don’t have the interpersonal relationship skills to deal with others or if they’ve never faced adversity on the job, they’ll never be able to handle what a pharmaceutical sales job might throw at them.
Overall, pharmaceutical sales reps must have the right kind of attitude and mindset that is crucial to be successful in their field. They should be outgoing and personable while having an entrepreneurial spirit. Perhaps above all else, they should be convincing without being overbearing and possess above average communication skills. These skills and similar qualifications are studied in school and honed while on the job. Is it education or experience that hiring managers are seeking? It all depends on the employer, of course, but having a good amount of both definitely, won’t hurt a job candidate’s chances.
