Medical sales representatives are the key point of contact between pharmaceutical and medical companies and healthcare professionals: promoting product awareness, answering queries, providing advice and introducing new products. What it involves Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies employ medical sales representatives. Key responsibilities include: organising appointments/meetings with community and hospital-based healthcare staff; identifying and establishing new business; negotiating contracts; demonstrating/presenting products to healthcare staff including doctors, nurses, pharmacists etc; undertaking relevant research; maintaining detailed records; making presentations; attending/organising trade exhibitions, conferences and meetings; managing budgets; reviewing sales performance; writing reports and other literature. Promotional prospects are excellent - progression can be into senior sales/managerial roles or into related employment areas such as marketing or purchasing.   What's required Although a degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, employers normally prefer graduates with relevant qualifications in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, nursing or dentistry. Candidates should possess commercial awareness, maturity, confidence and patience. Strong interpersonal, communication, organisational and sales skills are essential, as is a full driving licence.