Any pharmaceutical sales FReepers out there? Need FReeper advice on this as a career field (VANITY)

[hispanarepublicana]

Opportunities in this area seem to abound, and the money looks pretty good. I'm sure there are pros and cons, and I'd like to hear them.

However, I checked alamo-girl.com, FR profiles, and I didn't find any FReepers who were drug reps.

Is this a field that a nice, educated conservative would never consider or what? It can't be as bad for a conservative as government or a university setting, can it?

[hispanarepublicana]

Any input is bienvenido.

[Support Free Republic]

How about the new highway named for Clinton in his home stste of Arkansas? It's a little crooked, and has a long yellow streak down the center. Be careful if you drive on it, it's a little slick.

Manufacturers announced today that they will be stocking America's shelves this week with "Clinton Soup, to honor one of the nation's most distingushed men". It consists primariy of a weenie in hot water.

Free Republic

Your donations keep us laughing at liberals

[hispanarepublicana]

But then I work at home in my jammies,

How do I get a gig like THAT (other than being employed at one of the Nevada bordellos)!?

[CholeraJoe]

* ping for Pharmboy

If you like people, like sales and are willing to do just about anything to move your products, it'll be great. Most of the ones I deal with are principled. Some from one particular company will do whatever it takes to move their products, including offering to deliver suitcases of cash.

[hispanarepublicana]

Are you a physician?

[CholeraJoe]

Yes.

[warchild9]

I have a friend who is a sales rep, and he's a born con man--which makes him an excellent salesman. The pharmaceutical industry is profoundly corrupt, and corrupt people do the best in it. (Since I've done okay in my fifteen years therein, I fear for my soul.)
Sell drugs, and you'll do lots of travelling (usually within a reasonable, say, three-state territory), and have the potential to makes mucho dinero. However, you'll be selling many products which are unnecessary and overpriced, and the competition for up-and-comers for your job will be intense. Eventually, your ethical sense will dry up, and you'll become even more successful. Just joking.
Seems like an interesting job, but it's not for honest homebodies like Yours Truly.

[Iowa Granny]

You don't say whether this is Human or Ag pharmacuticals. Not that it would make a lot of difference. Our oldest son was on the road with Upjohn for several years. They move you around a lot and the territory you need to cover is such that he was generally home only on weekends. As long as he was single he loved the job. Once he married, it got old in a hurry. And eventually he decided to come home to farm rather than be on the road all the time.

The bigger drawback is the downsizing and merger problem. You just never know where you're going to be in 6 mos.

Haven't seen you in a while. How are you doin'?

[hispanarepublicana]

A friend of mine who's an ex-rep says this field's not all it's cracked up to be says that the physicians sit there with "why are you here? can't you see I'm busy? just shutup already and let me sign your machine/log book/etc." He says it's the same bored-semi-tolerant-yet-annoyed look teenagers give their parents when their parents are "having a talk" with them.

He says that if the physicians don't have that look on their faces, it will be because they're looking at my boobs.

[hispanarepublicana]

You don't say whether this is Human or Ag pharmacuticals.

I guess both, although with vet pharma, I hear that you're more like a "REAL" salesperson, because the vet actually uses and keeps the meds in stock at his clinic, versus writing scrips for pharmacies.

I'm doin' fine, but I think it's clear that NO ONE is making money in my or your businesses right now.

[OldFriend]

If you don't mind lots of driving time and have a science background, preferably biology, it's a VERY lucrative career.

[Pharmboy]

I am also a physician like Cholera Joe, but I haven't practiced in a while since I have been in the drug industry for 20 years now...on the promotional side. I practiced for 5 years and still maintain my license.

Freepmail me and let me know what company or companies you're looking at and I will give you the best insight that I can muster. Always happy to help a freeper.

And CJ, thanks for the ping.

[CholeraJoe]

I knew you could help, Pharmboy.

Hispanarepublicana, I can also give you a perspective on most of the manufacturers.

[hispanarepublicana]

Ya'll have FReepmail. Thanks.

[FairOpinion]

"will do whatever it takes to move their products, including offering to deliver suitcases of cash. "
--

Next time you run into one of them, give them my address for the suitcase of cash delivery. ;)