Pharma Sales Reps

Hello,

I worked as a senior art director (graphic designer) at a big healthcare advertising agency in NYC for almost 10 years and I was let go in October due to lack of work. I got a generous severance package with a few months paid so I was enjoying being a SAHM and housewife. Now it's time to get back out there.

I have a few options I'm exploring, one of which is becoming a pharma sales rep locally. The money seems like it could be good, and hopefully without going into NYC everyday I can have a better work/life balance. I was wondering if anyone here was a rep and could share an honest account of their job. I have a rough idea of what I'd be doing, but I don't know if I'll enjoy it. Do you like your job? Is there a lot of rejection? How do you deal with that? How are the hours? Is it a good job to have with a young family? Any advice would be great! TIA

Nancy

Re: Pharma Sales Reps

I have a friend that works as a rep, but he is an RN, got the job through a friend, and my mom has worked for pharm companies for many years. I do know a few reps from the hospitals and they like their jobs, but it seems like a tough gig to land. They do travel a lot, there are a lot of dinners scheduled with clients, many of which are in NYC, and many of the reps have masters degrees in health sciences, MBA's or business. As far as being treated in a certain way you are going to have men treat you in a way that you won't want to be as a married woman because some of the female reps out there act in a lets just say..unprofessional way.

On a lighter note, I'm pretty sure its not the same thing with reps who work for medical device companies, I would check that out.

Pharma Sales Reps

Check out cafepharma.com and you can get insight into the companies you are interested in. It's definitely not a 9-5 job, you need to have/be able to make great connections quickly, and even though it is territorial be prepared for travel for conferences. You will probably get a car or car allowance but keep in mind that you will live out of your car, your office is your home -- you will need to have a home office setup of some sort for team calls, etc. and anything you need for your job will be shipped to your home. Meeting with your peers and boss will probably be at hotels and restaurants and need to be flexible to their schedules too. Flexibility is there...if you do look at device make sure you know the requirements for support....if its a operating room device you could be "on call" 24/7 or be required to be in the OR for long periods of time. Last these jobs are commission - you will have GREAT months and you will have not great months. You will need to manage your money well. Your base/commission rate can vary, there might be cut ins and thresholds you should check that too before you decide. The health benefits for the most part are -- great. Good Luck