Breaking into medical device sales, step-by-step

Reps from certain industries and companies have a strong track record of transitioning successfully into medical device sales. If you gain experience in these prime “feeder” industries and employers, it can make it much easier to transition into device sales.

Point in case: I was once told that a nationwide reseller of copiers warned the management of a large medical device manufacturer to back off on blatantly aggressive recruitment of the company’s sales reps.

If you want to build a successful career in medical device sales, there are certain building blocks like getting the right kind of sales experience that will make it much easier to break into the industry.

Over the next several weeks, I am going to write a series of posts that outline how to lay a strong foundation for a career in medical device sales, step-by-step, from college, up through gaining initial sales experience. I’ll identify common obstacles and pitfalls along the way, and tie these posts in with others I’ve written in the past. Posts will appear each Monday.

Step 1  – College

Step 2 - College work experience & internships

Step 3 – Identifying a mentor

Step 4 – Keeping your driving record clean

Step 5 – Your first sales job

Step 6 – Maximizing your sales experience

Step 7 – Results

Step 8 – When to take the next step

Maybe you are a college student, or perhaps you are already in your first sales job and want to figure out how to take your career to the next level. Maybe you are stuck at some point along the way and can’t figure out how to make it to the next step. I hope this series will help you make wise choices that will help you achieve your goals and avoid the missteps that can sidetrack your career.

Are there any books or resources you’ve found that provide helpful insights into medical device sales?

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now” ` Alan Lakein