Many now looking to leave pharmaceutical jobs and Medical Sales

Wednesday Nov 22

In an industry where dramatic changes occurring suddenly have become the norm, many are question whether Medical sales and pharmaceutical jobs are still the fantastic career opportunity they once were. Agencies have seen an increase in the question 'do you recruit outside of the industry'.

As little as ten years ago, joining a pharmaceutical company with the intention of drawing your handsome pension from that company was a realisitc prospect, and indeed common.

In todays market, Medical sales and pharmaceutical jobs in general are somewhat erratic in comparison. Those who choose to move company in pursuit of career progression do so in tip toes with the real prospect that any new company could suddenly change it's shape at any point, with the resulting potential for 'last in first out'.

If this insecurity is familiar to you, take heart as there is light at the end of the tunnel. When I entered medical sales 15 years ago, I held the view that my future was secure as 'people will always be sick!!' Somewhat simplistic but nevertheless as fundamentally true now as it was then. The fact is, the pharmaceutical industry does need to adapt to a new set of rules as the NHS squeezes even tighter each year. The structures they had assumed in the last ten years are no longer appropriate and so they have to change. In particular, I feel the days of the 'buddy rep' are now numbered. This was very much an approach aimed at medium or long term profit. However, the risks within pharmaceuticals have increased, and consequently shareholder are no longer content with a wait for long term returns that may never come. This ultimately demands an approach more profitable on a short term basis.

So, expect to see more business focused and accountable medical sales jobs, and less numbers driven and noise driven strategy....surely a good thing for those of us who really like to sell, and be seen to sell.

The current level of pharmaceutical industry change will only be a short term thing beyond which it will settle once more, arguably with more fulfilling medical sales and pharmaceutical jobs on the other side.

The Editor.