So you have just graduated college, still unemployed, and your Uncle Fred (if you have an uncle Fred) is grilling you about your future plans for all to see and hear at Thanksgiving dinner. He tells you that he knows someone in pharmaceutical sales who is doing well. In fact, he's doing great! Uncle Fred reveals the secret person and tells you who it is. You can't believe it! "I know that guy!" This is your only half-hearted reply. Your "real and brutally honest" opinion is nestled in your mind for no one else's ears. The conversation moves on painfully, and now you really feel worthless!

You're a little surprised that this guy could have gotten into drug sales; you've heard that the pharmaceutical industry is a competitive field, and you know he was not at the top of his class. In fact, he was kind of near the bottom. Could this be true? Is uncle Fred putting you on the spot, right here at Thanksgiving dinner for all to hear? Or is he trying to tell you to get moving towards this career path?

You may be thinking, "I'm interested in being a pharmaceutical sales representative." I have been looking to get into the industry. I have heard lots of good things about it. The money is great, you get a company car and there are nice bonuses too! If "Jeremy", uncle Fred's mystery person got a job then so can I. I've think I've got the personality and the drive? If Jeremy can do it, then I can do it.

"Where do I get started," is the next thought that crosses your mind. You never really researched an industry, or a job for that matter. Where do you turn next? What should I do?

Typically, these thoughts are very common for any recent college graduate trying to get into the pharmaceutical industry. In fact many recent college graduates are probably all saying the same thing. Whether it is in pharmaceutical sales or in any other industry, the transition towards job interviewing skills and preparation are not commonly taught in college.

Unfortunately some people who think they might be interested find it nearly impossible to learn about the pharmaceutical industry. They don't know exactly how to find out what a pharmaceutical sales rep does all day (other than wear cool clothes and get paid lots of money). They don't know where to look for more information, they don't know how to look for such a job, and they don't have any connections in the industry to help them out.

Recent college graduates looking to get into pharmaceutical sales aren't aware of what they need to do, what not to do, where to look and finally, what to expect when they do get an interview. The competition in the drug rep industry is fierce. Knowing what to do, where to look and being prepared is half the battle.

Many recent college graduates who embark on their searches for a pharmaceutical sales job are not aware that they need a "brag book" (documenting all of their achievements) academically or professionally. In addition, many individuals are not aware that an interview process my consist of 5 or more interviews, sometimes prolonging the hiring process for months. Finally, many young graduates are blind-sided by the deep and thought provoking questioning used in a pharmaceutical interview.

Recent college graduates not familiar with the pharmaceutical industry may not know that when someone is hired as a sales rep, the cost incurred by the company reaches $100K+, (actual costs provided at) hence, the reason for the long and sometimes grueling search and interviewing process to get into the industry.

Having the knowledge and the preparation to find, interview and get a well paying pharmaceutical sales can give a recent college graduate the edge over another candidate looking to get into the industry.

Russell Sabella is a former Senior Sales Representative and creator of - A website dedicated towards helping recent college graduates get into a medical sales career as a pharmaceutical representative. Russell's extensive knowledge and experience as a sales representative in the pharmaceutical industry are captured in his book: I Wanna Pharma Job: Pharmaceutical Interviews and Jobs Exposed! You can view the different chapters and purchase the book on the website.

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