What Is Medical Device Sales?

Finding a rewarding, satisfying career in the medical industry does not necessarily mean that you have to become a doctor or venture into the world of nursing.  Medical device sales can be an engaging, profitable, enjoyable career choice for many different people.  Devices for the medical industry are vital – without the right equipment and devices, health care providers would be largely unable to perform their duties and help improve the lives of their patients.As a medical device sales professional, you should know what companies and organizations might constitute your customer base, long before you submit your first application.  For instance, you might sell medical devices to private doctors' offices, or you might work with local health clinics, hospitals, or treatment centers.  Many medical device sales reps work specifically with surgeons or specialists, so it can be a highly specialized sales field.  Overall, there are numerous organizations in need of medical devices for their daily operation, so you can count on having a wide field in which to operate.In addition to knowing your audience (your customers), you will also need some basic skills to get started in medical device sales.  For instance, a history in the sales industry, particularly in B2B sales, will look very good on a resume.  An educational background in science is definitely preferable.  You will also need to have at least a tentative job history in the medical industry, in some fashion.  However, you should understand that preference is given to those applicants with the most experience.  The more experience you have, the more attractive you will be to medical device manufacturers and suppliers—your employers.  That's because they are very concerned with how well you represent the company and its products.  You must be able to understand the science and advanced technology of the products, and be able to communicate that to customers.Even if you have the required experience and skill set, you might still have difficulties in finding a position with a good company.  Much of this is due to the intense competition for medical device sales positions.  One way to make yourself stand out and enjoy the best employment prospects is to develop a network of individuals within the industry.  This can be done online through social networking websites, such as LinkedIn, as well as in the real world, through industry contacts, mentors, and recruiters.  Remember, the old cliché, "it's all in who you know" might be tired, but it remains accurate.  Having a solid network can help you get your foot in the door more easily.  Consider using a specialized medical sales job recruiter, or using a career coach to jumpstart your career and find the success you seek more quickly.