subject: What Is It Like to Be a Pharmaceutical Rep? [print this page] Not less than 6 years ago, if you asked what it is like to be a pharmaceutical rep, the answers will be filled with positive words like more freedom, more money and bright future career. But right now, even those reps working with giant Pharmaceutical Companies are unsure of what lies ahead.
The news for this industry is filled with words like layoff, merger and acquisition and restructuring. That is definitely creates a different type of stories compared to previously.
But I know people like to hear the earlier version. So here it goes:
A pharmaceutical rep has a job that many people envy, especially, due to its time flexibility. But little that they know it is only true for those who are based outstation only, not for central based or manager post.
The most obvious flexible time can be seen in starting the day and ending it.
What are other things that people do not see?
They could not see the time that a rep has to spend on the road, traveling. It can take as short as a few hours and extended to a few days, depending on the call that has to be made and the number of customers they had to cover.
Talk about customers, pharmaceutical sales reps have to see one of the most elite group of people ever produce by the education system; the doctors and pharmacists. These people demand highest quality knowledge and information from the reps, and the highest respect.
Not to mention a huge stroke for their ego too!
Every call to each customer is unique and should be treated as such. But when all the preparation and hardship results in successful long term commitment, the career path is filled with good things, for example, high incentives payout, more bonus and commission.
And the flip side of the coin is just as hideous.
When a rep fail to meet his or her commitment, or usually known as the budget, things are to going to get tougher and every action of the rep is going to be scrutinized. It will make her feel like living in prison, and if one could not take it, resignation is often the best way out.
