The other option for the B.Pharm degree holders is the medical representative job. Here many of the outcomers think that this is only suitable for a range of people who can talk, but this impression which they are on is absolutely wrong. Now No. of compnies hire the representatives and give training for this and the most preferable students are the Pharmacists who can understand the drug and able to explain the docs about the drug. The salary hikes will be good and this involves the Incentives too where we can make good money from this job.
Here the basic job description and the activities followed by a typical Medical rep. is given..
Job description
Medical sales representatives are a key link between medical and pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. They work strategically to increase the awareness and use of a company’s pharmaceutical and medical products in settings such as general practices, primary care trusts and hospitals.
Based in a specific geographical location, and usually specialising in a particular product or medical area, medical sales representatives try to ensure clients are aware of, buy and subsequently use their company's products. They may also make presentations and organise group events for healthcare professionals, as well as working with contacts on a one-to-one basis.
Typical work activities
In any setting, the process of selling involves contacting potential customers, identifying their needs, persuading them that your products or services (rather than those of competitors) can best satisfy those needs, closing the sale by agreeing the terms and conditions, and providing an after-sales service. Medical sales representatives do all of this and more.
In particular, typical work activities include:
1. arranging appointments with doctors, pharmacists and hospital medical teams, which may include pre-arranged appointments or regular 'cold' calling;
2. making presentations to doctors, practice staff and nurses in GP surgeries, hospital doctors, and pharmacists in the retail sector. Presentations may take place in medical settings during the day or may be conducted in the evenings at a local hotel or conference venue;
3. organising conferences for doctors and other medical staff;
4. building and maintaining positive working relationships with medical staff and supporting administration staff e.g. receptionists;
5. managing budgets (for catering, outside speakers, conferences, hospitality, etc);
6. keeping detailed records of all contacts and reaching (and if possible exceeding) annual sales targets;
7. planning work schedules and weekly and monthly timetables. This may involve working with the area sales team or discussing future targets with the area sales manager. Generally, medical sales executives have their own regional area of responsibility and plan how and when to target health professions;
8. regularly attending company meetings, technical data presentations and briefings;
9. keeping up with the latest clinical data supplied by the company and interpreting, presenting and discussing this data with health professionals during presentations;
10. monitoring competitor activity and competitors' products;
11. maintaining knowledge of new developments in The National Health Service (NHS) , anticipating potential negative and positive impacts on the business and adapting strategy accordingly;
12. developing strategies for increasing opportunities to meet and talk to contacts in the medical and healthcare sector;
13. staying informed about the activities of health services in a particular area;
14. working with team managers to plan how to approach contacts and creating effective business plans for making sales in a particular area.
Salary and conditions
1. Range of typical starting salaries: £17,000 - £24,000 (salary data collected Sep 2008).
2. Range of salaries with three to five years' experience: £25,000 - £35,000 (salary data collected Sep 2008).
3. Range of salaries at senior levels: £30,000 - £60,000 (salary data collected Sep 2008).
4. The range of salaries varies according to level and experience. Successful sales staff can achieve high earnings consisting of a basic salary supplemented with performance-related pay.
5. Many companies offer other incentives and benefits such as a quality company car, private health insurance, holidays abroad and similar rewards.
6. Working hours typically include regular extra hours, but not weekends or shifts.
7. The car is a mobile office, but additional space at home may be necessary for storing products and samples.
8. Self-employment/freelance work is not possible. It may be possible to offer a service to companies launching new products and wanting extra coverage, though this requires a lot of contacts.
9. The prospects for re-employment after a career break are good. Part-time work is possible.
10. Opportunities occur throughout the UK, but the job usually involves responsibility for a particular geographical area. Good sales staff may find themselves head-hunted from one company/region to another.
11. Smart dress and a professional appearance are essential.
12. Loneliness can be a problem for medical sales representatives, who are often away from their home base for long periods of time.
13. The working day is often extended by travel, which has the potential to disrupt domestic routine and family and social life. However, many appreciate getting to know their customers in social settings and enjoy the benefits of corporate entertainment.
14. Travel within a working day is frequent; absence from home at night is occasional; and overseas work or travel is uncommon.
