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Career Training>
Pharmaceutical Representative Careers, Training, Jobs
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Pharmaceutical Representative Careers
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Pharmaceutical Representative Career:
Pharmaceutical sales is a fast-paced industry
where representatives spend most of their
working day on the road trying to increase
visibility and awareness of their company's
products. They visit doctors, hospitals,
pharmacies and even retirement homes to meet
with medical professionals and convince them
that their products are superior to the
competitors. The ultimate goal is to generate
increased sales. Other duties may include
training clinical personnel in the benefits of a
product as well as demonstrating how to
administer it if necessary. The completion of
accurate paperwork including details of each
sales call is also an important element of this
position.
Educational Requirements:
Most pharmaceutical companies require that their
sales representatives hold a minimum of a
Bachelor's degree and they look favorably on
graduate work. Many successful representatives
are graduates of business, marketing or
communications. However, having a science
background will give you an advantage in this
industry. This is because you will need to have
a very high level of knowledge about your
company's products but also about the
pharmaceutical industry in general.
An aptitude for science is required if you are
to effectively communicate with medical
professionals about data, statistics and issues
within the health community. The ability to read
and understand a scientific study and critically
examine its findings is essential and you will
need to familiarize yourself with medical
terminology. When seeking employment as a
pharmaceutical representative, a proven record
in sales, particularly in business to business
sales, would be a distinct advantage.
Some companies will not hire candidates without
sales experience. However on joining the
company, you will be given intense and
comprehensive training on the company product
line. You will often be given training on the
competitors' products also so that you can make
comparisons between them. Training in selling
skills is usually provided and most new reps
gain hands-on experience in the field by
accompanying another rep on their rounds. Most
companies provide ongoing training for their
employees as it is always necessary to be aware
of the most recent data and trends relevant to
your field.
Other Skills Required:
The most important attribute that a successful
pharmaceutical representative can possess is
excellent communication skills. You need to be
able to present information that is often
detailed and technical in a clear and engaging
way. Being able to listen effectively and
anticipate the needs of your customer are
important in forging and maintaining
relationships with them. You should be confident
and assertive enough to negotiate the best
possible terms for your company without coming
across as pushy. Having good organizational and
time management skills is also important.
Because you are largely responsible for
organizing your own schedule, it is crucial to
be self-motivated. You also need to have the
physical stamina required for driving as well as
carrying heavy sample cases.
Certification:
The American Pharmaceutical Association provides
a certification program which is approved by the
Pharmaceutical Advisory Board. The National
Association of Pharmaceutical Sales
Representatives also offers a certification
program which can be completed at any of 200
colleges and universities throughout the US. You
also have the option of completing this program
online. The successful completion of a
recognized certification program could give you
a competitive edge when seeking employment.
Career Opportunities:
Pharmaceuticals is a global and constantly
growing industry which offers a wealth of
opportunities for career advancement. A career
as a pharmaceutical representative is a very
attractive one as the freedom of being on the
road and setting your own schedule appeals to
many. Some pharmaceutical companies offer high
salaries which are often accompanied by generous
bonus schemes and incentives. Other positions
may be commission based but the extremely high
profit margins on pharmaceutical products can
result in enormous commissions. A company car is
generally provided. |
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Representative Career
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