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Leaving Customer Service gig...

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Anonymous

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I've been sampling now since Lunesta in 2013 and am not really sure about continuing as sometimes I think I'm actually hurting my resume in terms of "actual" sales....Anybody else leave or looking to leave? If so, are you looking at pharma sales positions? I have over 14 years outside sales before I got this job and don't really feel I'm getting anywhere here as you're either locked into a contract or they roll you to the next.
 






This isn't a sales position and all of the CSA's in my region either do this because it's easy and they want a relatively no-stress job or have something on the side they do too. I haven't personally seen anyone go from CSA to sales with say, GSK or Pfizer if that's what you mean. Although it's possible....If you want a sales rep job I think the best way would be solid B2B sales experience in any industry. This is not that.

Also, it's hard to get on an "actual" sales position with Publicis from CSA because you can't get out of the contract. You would have to wait until the contract ended and then IF there's a sales position open in your area you could apply. That's iffy because the stars would have to align....
 












Anonymous said:
This isn't a sales position and all of the CSA's in my region either do this because it's easy and they want a relatively no-stress job or have something on the side they do too. I haven't personally seen anyone go from CSA to sales with say, GSK or Pfizer if that's what you mean. Although it's possible....If you want a sales rep job I think the best way would be solid B2B sales experience in any industry. This is not that.

Also, it's hard to get on an "actual" sales position with Publicis from CSA because you can't get out of the contract. You would have to wait until the contract ended and then IF there's a sales position open in your area you could apply. That's iffy because the stars would have to align....
Click to expand...

Many CSAs on the AZ contracts have moved to various Publicis AZ sales jobs
 
























Anonymous said:
This isn't a sales position and all of the CSA's in my region either do this because it's easy and they want a relatively no-stress job or have something on the side they do too. I haven't personally seen anyone go from CSA to sales with say, GSK or Pfizer if that's what you mean. Although it's possible....If you want a sales rep job I think the best way would be solid B2B sales experience in any industry. This is not that.

Also, it's hard to get on an "actual" sales position with Publicis from CSA because you can't get out of the contract. You would have to wait until the contract ended and then IF there's a sales position open in your area you could apply. That's iffy because the stars would have to align....
Click to expand...

This is not entirely true. A fellow csa in my district was just hired on the Summit team - about a $20k increase in salary in case anyone was wondering.
 






It is possible to get into pharma sales after you leave the CSA position. I know a few that transitioned directly to AZ (not publicis) and 1/2 of my team went on to pharma sales with other companies. Your previous sales experience should help. The only negative feedback you will get here is from bitter old timer AZ reps who are due to get laid off or were laid off. They fear CSA's as more than 1/2 of the AZ sales reps got let go right before the CSA expansion few years ago. Good luck to you.
 






I guess the real question to ask is, if you have a lot of B2B sales experience and a degree, why go for the CSA position to begin with? I'd just keep networking and apply to any Pharma or device sales rep position until I snagged one. My 2 cents.
 












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