Pharmaceutical sales representatives get to set and manage their own schedules, making the career very appealing for those who like independence in their job. According to the blog of one rep who has been in the industry for 14 years, some of the benefits of the role include a "generous" base salary, "unlimited" potential for bonuses and a high level of autonomy. In addition, he explained that the position offers the opportunity to learn about diseases and develop strong personal relationships with doctors and clients. Pharmaceutical sales representatives describe their firms' products to physicians, health services administrators, pharmacists and dentists and operate as a line of communication between the two. The market for the career is thriving, with the Department of Labor predicting that opportunities for pharmaceutical sales roles will increase by 26 per cent - much faster than the average - between 2006 and 2016. Many companies prefer to hire candidates with a four-year degree, in addition to the completion of an accredited pharmaceuticals sales training program, which includes information on clinical pharmacology, medical terminology and regulations for selling pharmaceuticals. The median salary for those selling wholesale drugs is $66,210 including commission, according to the latest DoL statistics, though this figure may vary greatly due to a number of factors, including the autonomy of the job.  |