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It’s not uncommon to hear the pharma/biotech/medical device industries spoken of all together, but in reality they are very different fields with different target markets and qualifications for potential employees.

If you’re considering a job in one of these fields, you must know the difference.

Pharmaceuticals

With a science aptitude and a few years of demonstrated outside consultative sales success, you may be able to break into the pharmaceutical sales field. The industry is changing though, with small molecule drugs facing competition from biotechnology.

While the qualifications to entry for the pharmaceutical industry may be lower than biotech and medical devices, layoffs in recent years have made the field increasingly competitive.

Biotech and medical devices

For these roles, the emphasis is on an advanced education and medical or scientific experience. While pharmaceutical companies may be willing to train people with very strong sales skills, biotech and medical devices lean much more heavily on a medical or engineering background. Commonly, these candidates have transitioned from the medical or scientific field.

The biotech industry relies on people with biological science degrees and experience. With the right understanding of the science behind the biologics, sales skills can be taught.

Medical devices are even more technical. Representatives may even be present in operating rooms or other areas where the devices are implemented. Many companies look for candidates with PhDs in engineering or related field or medical degrees. The salary and bonuses tend to be much larger in biotech than pharmaceuticals because of competition for highly educated candidates.

How can you learn more about these industries to choose your career path?

  • Learn more about requirements on industry job boards or message boards.
  • Read up on your field of interest online or in books.
  • Investigate company websites to learn about products coming to market.
  • Choose a degree in science, not business.
  • Work with a recruiter who understands the industry and will help you to present your skills and experience effectively.

At SMR Group Ltd, we specialize in helping sales and marketing professionals find great positions in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical industries. If you need a partner in your job search, contact us today.


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