Breaking into Medical Sales from Pharma

pharmaguy8253

new user
I'm a new pharma rep who would like to eventually break into medical device sales. I have only been in the field for a few months, so I know I will need some time to build some numbers. I'm still fairly young (late 20's) and I have some prior sales experience to go with my current pharma gig. I'm enjoying pharma so far, but I can see how reps get complacent in their roles. My current plan is to learn all that I can now and put up solid numbers, but transition into med sales within the next 1-2 years.

From what I've heard, many device companies are hesitant to hire pharma reps because they have the view that pharma sales is not real sales. I've also heard they become even more skeptical of pharma reps who have been in their position for too long. I don't want to get into the debate on whether or not pharma sales is real sales or not, I can see both sides of the argument. I want to make the move before I gain the negative stigma of a pharma rep that has been there too long.

My question is how long until I should start pursuing medical device opportunities? Would it be more realistic to go after an associate med device role to break in? What companies should I monitor for opportunities?

Any advice helps.

Thanks.
 








I just made the switch from Pharma to Device - I'm told no more than 3 years max in pharma if you want to switch -so keep your pharma time short, 1-2 yrs - however while you're there be sure to crush it, get some wins, awards, presidents club, top 10% rankings etc... and then make your move to device quickly. I can assure you the stigma is very real, so when you interview be prepared to sell yourself using specifics that prove you to be a competitive sales rep and not a "pharma 10-2 lunch caterer". If you have B2B experience that will help a lot. I was told flat out they do not like pharma reps. Just my 2centz