What’s it really like as a rep

[anonymous]

I’ve been out of the field for about 8 years, most recently have been working in medical sales and am considering going back into pharma. From the outside, I think the overall compensation package is better. Was just hoping for some relevant insight from reps in the field as to what it really means to be a rep In today’s environment... job satisfaction etc...

 

[anonymous]

I'm sorry to tell you that most Pharma jobs are not very fulfilling nowadays. Layoffs are still way too common and access has declined dramatically. Most companies are driving activity through metrics without much thought about the business environment and payer challenges. If I wasn't so close to retirement, I would leave in a heartbeat. The best jobs seem to be in rare disease and oncology but other than that, it's the same old Primary Care BS. A lot has changed in the past 8 years but there are still a few good companies out there. Good luck in your search!

 

[anonymous]

Agree. Pharma has changed a great deal - access in most territories is extremely limited & corporate doesn’t take that into consideration. Many offices don’t allow lunches, due to the Sunshine Act, many have cut out all rep contact and some don’t even allow literature. More and more expectations on reps, high turnover now in most companies due to reps not being able to keep up with demands.

 

[anonymous]

Agree. Pharma has changed a great deal - access in most territories is extremely limited & corporate doesn’t take that into consideration. Many offices don’t allow lunches, due to the Sunshine Act, many have cut out all rep contact and some don’t even allow literature. More and more expectations on reps, high turnover now in most companies due to reps not being able to keep up with demands.

Would like to add that reps who have literally no access also are the biggest brown nosers with management so they’re not found out. Have seen this time & time again. The internal politics within pharma are disgusting beyond belief because of all the issues outlined in previous post.

 

[anonymous]

Good posts here. The keys to success as a rep today are having good access in your territory so when you bring your dopey manager you have places to go. There is more micromanaging than ever with more reports, admin, conference calls, tracking, etc. If you're not spending on breakfasts, L&L, and dinner programs then you'll be flagged as not trying hard enough. Don't get too anxious about ride-withs, NSMs, performance reviews, what your co-workers think about you and the backstabbing (there is A LOT)...not much you can do about these things, they are out of your hands. You really have to work nowadays, no 4 hour days (or work weeks lol) because it will catch up with you and bite you in the ass. Last, if you want to stay at your company you need to develop a good relationship with your DM and RSM...doing so will increase your chances of staying with the company during layoffs about 50%. Good luck everybody.

 

[anonymous]

Good posts here. The keys to success as a rep today are having good access in your territory so when you bring your dopey manager you have places to go. There is more micromanaging than ever with more reports, admin, conference calls, tracking, etc. If you're not spending on breakfasts, L&L, and dinner programs then you'll be flagged as not trying hard enough. Don't get too anxious about ride-withs, NSMs, performance reviews, what your co-workers think about you and the backstabbing (there is A LOT)...not much you can do about these things, they are out of your hands. You really have to work nowadays, no 4 hour days (or work weeks lol) because it will catch up with you and bite you in the ass. Last, if you want to stay at your company you need to develop a good relationship with your DM and RSM...doing so will increase your chances of staying with the company during layoffs about 50%. Good luck everybody.

How exactly do you “work” more than 4 hours?