Drug reps need sales skills more than an understanding of science and medicine. Drug companies teach their reps only what they want them to know. This helps them become more passionate salesmen since they only learn the most favorable side of the picture. If drug reps had a basic science background, they might be able to decipher biased research and realize the harmful effects of the drugs they pitch. That certainly wouldn’t contribute to sales. Even for reps that might have some kind of science background or might be clever enough to see past the smoke-and-mirrors, they will tend to focus on the benefits while ignoring the risks because selling drugs puts food on their table.
As opposed to having a basic science background, the most qualified candidates for drug rep positions are attractive and well-spoken.
Most female reps are hired based primarily upon their physical appeal.
The male reps are persuasive and likable.
Regardless of their sex, if drug reps use their charm well, the rewards for success can be quite generous. Seasoned drug reps can make six figures if they’re really good; good at schmoozing with physicians; or in the case of female reps, being easy on the eyes.
The starting salary isn’t too bad either. If you happen to land a job as a drug rep with a major drug company you can expect to start out with a base salary of about $50,000. That’s around the same as the average starting salary of a Ph.D. college biology professor (public universities, although salaries do vary).
But this is just the beginning. They also get a company car with auto insurance. They’re also eligible for quarterly and annual bonuses along with lavish vacations if they meet sales targets.
To help achieve their sales quotas, they are provided with a large annual expense account to buy the loyalty of physicians in the form of gifts, vacations, five-star dinner seminars and other perks.
But this is not the end. Some physicians are paid for speaking events, research, and other activities that provide rewards for drug endorsements. These funds come from an entirely different and much larger expense account.
As opposed to having a basic science background, the most qualified candidates for drug rep positions are attractive and well-spoken.
Most female reps are hired based primarily upon their physical appeal.
The male reps are persuasive and likable.
Regardless of their sex, if drug reps use their charm well, the rewards for success can be quite generous. Seasoned drug reps can make six figures if they’re really good; good at schmoozing with physicians; or in the case of female reps, being easy on the eyes.
The starting salary isn’t too bad either. If you happen to land a job as a drug rep with a major drug company you can expect to start out with a base salary of about $50,000. That’s around the same as the average starting salary of a Ph.D. college biology professor (public universities, although salaries do vary).
But this is just the beginning. They also get a company car with auto insurance. They’re also eligible for quarterly and annual bonuses along with lavish vacations if they meet sales targets.
To help achieve their sales quotas, they are provided with a large annual expense account to buy the loyalty of physicians in the form of gifts, vacations, five-star dinner seminars and other perks.
But this is not the end. Some physicians are paid for speaking events, research, and other activities that provide rewards for drug endorsements. These funds come from an entirely different and much larger expense account.
