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Teacher to Sales |
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Author: | Newbie
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Date: | 10-14-12 10:47am |
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Looking for advice from those who are in pharma Sales or recruit for pharma sales. I have always been interested in sales and at the same time I was applying to graduate schools for my teaching certificate, I was also applying to pharma. companies . Fast forward 7 years and I am considering leaving the field of education to pursue a career in sales. I have excelled as an educator and know that many of my teaching skills will transfer over to sales quite well. I have excellent interpersonal skills, am very organized and if I don't know something, I learn it. I know many people in the local medical community and have a good handle on medical terminology and researching various conditions. I am great at selling ideas and am always being asked, why I didn't go into sales. I would like to begin applying to pharmaceutical companies but am concerned that I will be overlooked because I do not have a sales background. Any tips on how to break into the field without that experience? I know that if I could get in for an interview, I would be able to prove myself as an excellent candidate. Any suggestions, advice would be appreciated!
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Author: Anonymous Medzilla Reader |
Oct 15, 2012, 07:00AM |
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Funny. We are exact opposites. The first time I was laid off in pharma, I thought I should get my teaching cert. I believe you took inventory of your skills, and you can probably succeed in sales. But you need some sales experience -- sell vacuums during spring break if you have to. Also learnthe difference between device sales, diagnostic sales, and pharma sales. Once you go down one path, it is difficult to go another. |
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Author: Anonymous Medzilla Reader |
Oct 15, 2012, 07:24AM |
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the pharma industry, for sales reps, has been decimated in recent years with over 100,000 reps laid off. When there is an opening for a position, the hiring manager is overwhelmed with resumes from highly qualified, experienced reps. I tell you this not to discourage you, but to let you know what you're up against. It's not really the most stable industry to be in right now. I would gladly take a teaching job with guaranteed pay, excellent health insurance, a pension plan and summer's off as opposed to wondering when I'm going to "get the call"...best of luck to you. |
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Author: Anonymous Medzilla Reader |
Jan 13, 2013, 06:23PM |
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If you have a background teaching science that would be helpful to you if you can creatively leverage your ability to do a consultative selling approach with physicians. Drug reps do a lot of teaching, believe it or not. I have seen former teachers make excellent reps and I have seen former teachers absolutely hate this job and go back to the classroom. Clarify for yourself why you want to make the career change and if it's because of the money then prove to yourself and future employers that you can drive business selling something. It may be a two job jump if you REALLY want it. Make friends with a drug rep and be their tail for a day. |
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Author: Dwayne Madry |
Jan 14, 2013, 07:22AM |
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Yes. I have I was a T.A. for Organic Chemistry, and Human Anatomy. I was very detailed in how I wanted students to under the concepts in that they needed to know them to pass any upcoming exams. |
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Fill that difficult position NOW
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Author: Anonymous Medzilla Reader |
Feb 10, 2013, 07:24PM |
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I have 8 years of outside sales experience working for Pitney Bowes. I have 20 plus years in education, on the secondary and community college level in science. Is there a company that would be interested in my specific profile? |
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Author: former pharmaceutical rep |
May 03, 2016, 09:00AM |
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Pharmaceutical companies will hire teachers based on their strong presentation skills and their ability to teach. Also, focus on having strong computer skills and the willingness to use technology in the workplace and to do work outside of normal business hours. These are traits that pharmaceutical companies are looking for based on additional research that I have done. |
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