What should you do to break into medical sales, laboratory sales, clinical diagnostics sales, surgical products sales, pathology sales, imaging sales, medical device sales, pharmaceutical sales, biotech sales, or sales of cellular or molecular products? One of the most important tips I can give you: go for a ride-along with someone in the field to ask questions and see what a typical day is like.

Job shadowing is something we usually associate with high-school or college students, but it can be tremendously beneficial for anyone changing careers. It’s valuable hands-on experience before you make the commitment to switch. (Here’s a link to a virtual ride-along…not as good, but a good place to start.)

How do you find someone to ride with? Ask your doctor for names of sales reps. When you contact them, reassure them that you’re not after their job, but are looking for information about the field….pros and cons, typical day, and so on. When you go, have 10-15 questions prepared (you’ll think of more throughout the day) and take notes. This will help you narrow down which healthcare sales field you want to get into, and when you land the interview, your prep work will show and give you an edge over other candidates.

I’ve put together what I hope is a very helpful video that explains all this for you: Medical Sales Preceptorship–Get Hired.

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