Studying for a medical or scientific degree can be very different from the reality of working in your chosen field. Many graduates are finding out that there are ways to combine their love of science with other disciplines for rewarding careers. One area that is both potentially lucrative and challenging for medical and science graduates is sales.

Sales is a rapidly changing field

Disruptive technologies are changing the way people sell. The traditional door to door sales person has made way for technologically savvy and quick thinking individuals who can adapt to new situations. As a result, the skills that are required for salespeople are also changing.



Modern salespeople need to be able to stay up to date with changes, use technology to their advantage, be data-driven and intuitively tap into their prospective customer’s pain points and needs. Salespeople today are true problem-solvers.

These skills have created new opportunities for candidates who have a disciplined approach, highly tuned analytical skills and learning agility.

Science skills are in high demand

People with a science-based degree are well suited to the new world of sales. In addition, pharmaceutical, medical and other aligned organisations are searching for people who have the necessary technical understanding to sell their products. These businesses often provide people with life-saving devices and medications, giving those who work in the field the additional satisfaction of knowing they’re helping make the lives of others every day.

Scientific skills are put to good use to not only understand the science behind the products but to also educate other clinical and medical professionals on how to administer products. That’s why science graduates are in high demand – they can speak to their customers with the same level of technical knowledge.

A career in sales offers many benefits

Learning to sell also adds another string to your bow which is transferable across organisations and industries. In addition, industries like pharmaceuticals are traditionally high-growth and considered ‘recession-proof’. That means you can expect to have the opportunity to progress with the potential to earn great benefits.

Besides the financial benefits, sales give you the opportunity to work closely with and help a wide range of other people in their field. From medical professionals to patients, from researchers to regulators, sales professionals in the medical and pharmaceutical industries potentially advise and interact with a broad group of people every day. For many, this alone provides a great deal of satisfaction in their job and gives them the human stimulation they enjoy.

Find out where your science degree can take you by partnering with an agency who understands your option.