From Healthcare to Sales: Making the Transition

10 Jul, 2018

You’re working in the healthcare field, and you’ve traveled a long way to get where you are. After years of education, clinical training, and experience on the job, you’ve carved out a place for yourself in the clinic, the lab, or the exam room. But now you’re ready for a change.

If you’ve gone as far as patient care can take you and you’re contemplating a transition to the sales field, you’re not alone. Countless others like you make this switch every year, for a host of very common reasons: they may be burning out under the physical and emotional toll of patient care, or they may be interested in shifting from a set paycheck to variable compensation with bonuses. Or maybe they’re just looking for something new and a career change feels like the right move at this time. If your story fits into any or all of these categories, here are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to cross the bridge.

Break the ice and ask for stories.

Talk to some of the medical sales people who come and go from your office. If you can, try to learn something about their career paths, for example: At what stage did they get into sales? How did they first get a foot in the door? What training and credentialing have they found the most useful? Most of all, what advice would they give to someone who wants to follow in their footsteps?

Wrangle introductions.

Successful networking starts with friendly interactions and polite questions. But ideally, if you get to know your sales contacts, you can ask them to connect you with others in the field. If an associate or entry-level position opens, your contacts may be able to vouch for you or point you in the right direction. It’s also smart to remember that networking involves a give and take — if you’d like favors from others, find ways to offer similar help and favors first.

Consider the benefits of clinical sales support.

The best and easiest way to transition from healthcare and patient care to sales involves shifting first into clinical sales support. Ask your contacts about open positions or potential opportunities you might be able to step into, in which you’ll use your clinical knowledge and connections to support sales teams who provide products within your area of healthcare expertise. Once you’ve demonstrated your flexibility, knowledge and experience, you’ll able to work your way up the sales ladder as a representative or manager.

Work with a leader in healthcare recruiting.

If you are looking to make the transition in your career to medical sales, contact our team of recruiters at Buckman Enochs Coss and Associates!