Pharmaceutical help! (Springfield, Phoenix: sales, buy, university)

[TB HAWK]

Hey all, I am kinda looking for some help..advise..anything. I am an undergrad student at a university, health science major, and I have a little over a yr beofre I graduate. I am really considering getting into the pharmaceutical industry and career advisors have told me that pharm sales rep is something good to go into right out of college. Is it bad that I might not have much experience in sales? Also is pharma sales something good to go into salary wise especially with todays economy? I am really interested in gaining some experience over the summer so if anyone might know of any summer jobs i would REALLY REALLY appreciate it!!

[chet everett]

What the heck is "health science"? Competition for good pharm rep jobs is pretty stiff - quite a few Pharm BS grads are much better prepared to talk to the kinds of physicians that need info abut drug interactions and chemical nature of the evolving specialty prescription drugs. The jobs working for a company that markets non-prescription things (like cold remedies) is really more a marketing job. Quite a difference.

Have you done any internships in any field? Does your college have any "placement" office to assist in this?

Do you have any experience with any kind of sales, even at Best Buy or a similar retailer? Ideally you would have some "high rejection" sales experience, and some experience with a large marketing organization, and the ability to talk intelligently about chemistry/pharmacology.

Good Luck!

[linicx]

What I know about pharmae in general is you need a strong chemistry background. Buy a PDR. You'll need it. I believe there is a pharmacy supplier called Smith ?? in Phoenix. They have a warehouse in Springfield. I would call Phoenix and find out what courses/qualifications are needed to work in this industry.

Salaried Pharmacists average around 100k yearly.

[jlawrence01]

Licensed pharmacists are commanding a STARTING salary of $85k. Many of the large pharmacy chains are desperately looking for people at this point.

By the way - if there are any pharma students out there - hit the websites. Companies like Walgreens have internships and provide tuition assistance.

[sgresident]

at this point in time, jobs in healthcare are on the rise. There is a big difference between being a pharmacist and being a sales rep for pharmaceuticals. don't know much about the sales rep. my roommate from college is a pharmacist. It was a grueling major, but the payoffs are good.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by sgresident

It was a grueling major, but the payoffs are good.

The pay is good, but from what I've heard the hours are incredibly long, and the work itself is pretty stressful. The burnout rate is high.

[phl76]

You don't need a pharmacy background, or even a health-related background to become a drug rep. I've know people who were English majors become drug reps. A science background is helpful, but not necessary and neither is a sales background.

The pharmaceutical companies will train you, IF you qualify. If you can get an internship/fellowship in a company, that is a HUGE plus. You should be a strong communicator and fast learner.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by via chicago

The pay is good, but from what I've heard the hours are incredibly long, and the work itself is pretty stressful. The burnout rate is high.

The hours are what you want to work. I have a semi-retired uncle and two cousins (all licensed phramacists) who work part-time WHEN they want to in one of the mail-order prescription fulfillment centers.

Even before that, they did not work any overtime. If their employer demanded it, well, there are dozens of other employers who need registered pharmacists.


To be a pharm rep, they are looking for people who can sell their product. A degree in sales and marketing is helpful and the ability to effectively communicate is critical. Being beautiful and sharp is also helps.