Can someone please be honest

[Anonymous]

I just got a call from a recruiter about 2 expansion territories in a metro area that are going to be available. About 3 years ago I was also approached by a recruiter for a "similar" position. I am told by the recruiter that there has been a lot of "change" recently at the company. Can someone please provide insight (true) on QOL; compensation (car, benefits, management) etc. I am leary to go down this path.

 

[Anonymous]

I just got a call from a recruiter about 2 expansion territories in a metro area that are going to be available. About 3 years ago I was also approached by a recruiter for a "similar" position. I am told by the recruiter that there has been a lot of "change" recently at the company. Can someone please provide insight (true) on QOL; compensation (car, benefits, management) etc. I am leary to go down this path.

Just over two years ago I was in the same position as you. I was interested in Intuitive but had heard so many negative things that I was leery of making a move. I was fortunate that a couple of people that I worked with in the past and respected were at Intuitive and were encouraging me to come over. I made the jump and can honestly say it has been a great move FOR ME. I love the technology. For all the knocks that you will read on this board, one thing that is undeniable is that we have a great technology. Computer assisted surgery is rapidly becoming a mainstay of surgery. Intuitive is on the cutting edge of this. As direct competitors emerge, this market will only get stronger.

That’s the technology, now for the culture. The culture in the past has been tough. I think management recognizes that and is attempting to make some changes. The reality now is, you will be as happy as you direct manager will allow. If you have a strong manager, you WILL do great. If you have a weak manager, things will be tough. You direct manager will make or break you. For me, I have been very fortunate and worked with a few great managers.

Compensation. At plan, you will make around $215K. That is inclusive of auto allowance but does not include stock grants. Some will make less, but others will make more. I have been consistent at $240K as a CSR for the last two years. Much of your compensation will depend on the maturity of your area. Quarter over quarter growth is expected and required. It's just part of the job. Expected growth % is really based on your area. The work is intense, but it is enjoyable. The most notable difference for me when joining Intuitive was the different relationships with physicians and hospital admin. I am viewed as a true consultant within the hospital.

QOL will depend on a few of things, 1. The job that you are taking - CSR has a very different QOL than ASM. 2. the geography that you cover 3. the maturity of your market and of course 4. your manager. As you progress in your career at Intuitive, your QOL will improve. In the first 6-12 months it will be tough as you learn the roll and all that is associated with it.

Whether you and Intuitive will be a good fit is largely based on your personality. As with any new job there are pros and cons. The culture at Intuitive is improving. The people are very professional and passionate about what they do. Last but not least, it's good to be a part of an organization that experiencing tremendous growth in a period that is difficult for other companies.

That's about as honset as I can be. Good Luck. I hope things work out for you.

 

[Anonymous]

Just over two years ago I was in the same position as you. I was interested in Intuitive but had heard so many negative things that I was leery of making a move. I was fortunate that a couple of people that I worked with in the past and respected were at Intuitive and were encouraging me to come over. I made the jump and can honestly say it has been a great move FOR ME. I love the technology. For all the knocks that you will read on this board, one thing that is undeniable is that we have a great technology. Computer assisted surgery is rapidly becoming a mainstay of surgery. Intuitive is on the cutting edge of this. As direct competitors emerge, this market will only get stronger.

That’s the technology, now for the culture. The culture in the past has been tough. I think management recognizes that and is attempting to make some changes. The reality now is, you will be as happy as you direct manager will allow. If you have a strong manager, you WILL do great. If you have a weak manager, things will be tough. You direct manager will make or break you. For me, I have been very fortunate and worked with a few great managers.

Compensation. At plan, you will make around $215K. That is inclusive of auto allowance but does not include stock grants. Some will make less, but others will make more. I have been consistent at $240K as a CSR for the last two years. Much of your compensation will depend on the maturity of your area. Quarter over quarter growth is expected and required. It's just part of the job. Expected growth % is really based on your area. The work is intense, but it is enjoyable. The most notable difference for me when joining Intuitive was the different relationships with physicians and hospital admin. I am viewed as a true consultant within the hospital.

QOL will depend on a few of things, 1. The job that you are taking - CSR has a very different QOL than ASM. 2. the geography that you cover 3. the maturity of your market and of course 4. your manager. As you progress in your career at Intuitive, your QOL will improve. In the first 6-12 months it will be tough as you learn the roll and all that is associated with it.

Whether you and Intuitive will be a good fit is largely based on your personality. As with any new job there are pros and cons. The culture at Intuitive is improving. The people are very professional and passionate about what they do. Last but not least, it's good to be a part of an organization that experiencing tremendous growth in a period that is difficult for other companies.

That's about as honset as I can be. Good Luck. I hope things work out for you.

This is one of the better summaries on our jobs as CSRs that I have seen on CP. I am a CSR in the South Central region and I absolutely love the job. I work with a great CSM and CSD and the job is incredibly rewarding. I made very good money with St. Jude and Medtronic before this, but the technology is unbelievable at Intuitive and the compensation plan is as good or better. Our stock is trading at over $450 per share and we are still growing significantly year after year. I just wish I had made the transition to Intuitive sooner. These past 2 years have been the best in my career. Good luck and try to take the negative comments on CP with a grain of salt. For the most part, its pissed off reps or ex-reps that have had bad managers or just didn't want to work hard from the beginning.

 

[Anonymous]

This is one of the better summaries on our jobs as CSRs that I have seen on CP. I am a CSR in the South Central region and I absolutely love the job. I work with a great CSM and CSD and the job is incredibly rewarding. I made very good money with St. Jude and Medtronic before this, but the technology is unbelievable at Intuitive and the compensation plan is as good or better. Our stock is trading at over $450 per share and we are still growing significantly year after year. I just wish I had made the transition to Intuitive sooner. These past 2 years have been the best in my career. Good luck and try to take the negative comments on CP with a grain of salt. For the most part, its pissed off reps or ex-reps that have had bad managers or just didn't want to work hard from the beginning.

Exactly. Good post