Almost every candidate who applies for a medical device sales position says that they’ve always wanted to be in medical device sales. Over time, it’s possible to become rather skeptical of this statement.
One hiring manager said to me, “People sometimes get this idea that medical device sales is a glamorous job. This job is about pushing video carts across slushy parking lots in the middle of winter.”
Breaking into medical device sales is not like hitting the lottery. Don’t expect to coast. Expect to work hard and be challenged to grow professionally like never before.
If you really want to be in medical device sales, are you prepared to…
- Wake up at 4:00 a.m. so you can arrive early for a 7:00 am surgery?
- Compete against the most dedicated, skilled sales reps anywhere?
- Cram the equivalent of med school into your brain in less than a year?
- Put yourself on the hook for a patient’s well-being?
- Work harder and longer than in any other industry to win your customers’ trust?
Despite the demands, there are plenty in the industry who thank their lucky stars (even in the wee hours of the morning) that they are part of this exceptional industry. Medical device sales exciting, challenging, intense, fascinating, meaningful and rewarding. Those who succeed tend to think the satisfaction and rewards are well worth the hard work and sacrifices.
What are the greatest rewards of a successful career in medical device sales?
“Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.” — Napoleon Hill
Lisa McCallister specializes in recruiting for medical device sales and marketing positions with an operating room focus, such as orthopedics, electrosurgery, endoscopy and a wide range of surgical specialties. She has recruited two Rookie of the Year award winners. Connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her blog, MyJobScope.com.
