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Career planning in medical sales – professional recruiter at a laptop, reviewing industry insights

How to Launch Your Career as a Medical Device Sales Rep

Posted on 22 November 2021

📅 Updated for 2025: New Industry Insights & Career Tools

💡 Thinking about a career in medical device sales? The MedTech industry is evolving, and so are the strategies to break into it. This guide has been updated for 2025 with new insights on networking, industry trends, and our Career Readiness Quiz to help you assess your next steps.

​So, you’re considering a career in medical device sales, but where do you start?

You’re not alone—many professionals transitioning into MedTech sales wonder if they have the right skills and experience.

Before diving into the key steps, it’s essential to understand the industry and evaluate whether this career aligns with your aspirations.

Not sure if MedTech sales is the right move for you?

👉 Take the Career Quiz to assess your readiness.

Thoughtful woman in a grey suit considering her career options in MedTech sales
Is MedTech Sales the Right Career for You?

 

1️⃣ Related Education & Experience


Transferable skills are highly valued in medical device sales. A medical-related degree isn’t always required, but companies typically look for:

Professional Experience:

✅ B2B sales

✅ Experience in medical-related industries

✅ Consumer product sales experience

✅ Clinical background (e.g., nursing, medical technician)

Key Skills & Traits:

✅ Relationship-building across all levels

✅ Ability to excel in a competitive environment

✅ Confidence and adaptability

✅ Strong multitasking and organisational skills

If you’re looking to gain a structured education in MedTech sales, courses like those offered by MedOpt—developed by ex-Stryker professionals—can provide valuable insights.

However, before investing $$ in training, assess where you stand first with our Career Quiz to ensure you’re focusing on the right areas.

For more detailed steps and practical advice on breaking into the medical sales field, visit our article on Breaking into Medical Sales: Essential Steps for Success.​

Skills, abilities, and knowledge written on a whiteboard with red and black markers.
Key Skills for Success in Medical Sales

2️⃣ Start Networking


Networking is a critical part of breaking into MedTech sales. Whether it’s through industry events or LinkedIn connections, having the right contacts can increase your chances of securing an opportunity.

As the saying goes:

It’s not just what you know—it’s who you know.

A Real-World Example

One of our candidates, transitioning into a new MedTech segment, built a structured networking spreadsheet of 200 contacts. It took three degrees of separation to connect with the right hiring manager, but that effort led to interviews and engagement.

Many people give up before they even get to this stage—but those who persist are the ones who succeed.


Want to refine your approach?

Check out these 7 expert networking strategies to maximise your connections.

Wooden blocks stacked with the words ‘Who Do You Know?’ emphasizing the importance of networking
Strategic Networking for MedTech Sales Careers

3️⃣ Get an Insight Into the Industry


Even if you have experience in pharma, nursing, or marketing, hiring managers want to see that you’re dedicated to understanding MedTech beyond just sales. Show them you’ve done the groundwork:

🔹 Learn the Patient Journey – Knowing how medical devices are used in real clinical settings can set you apart. Watch this short explainer to understand the patient journey in an operating theatre.

🔹 Stay up to date with industry trends – MedTech is constantly evolving, and companies value candidates who are well-informed. The MTAA’s guide provides key insights into pathways and opportunities in Australian MedTech.

🔹 Speak the language of MedTech professionals – Understanding the right terminology can help you communicate more effectively in interviews and sales discussions. Check out this MedTech terminology breakdown to get familiar with key industry terms.

🔹 Consider industry-specific sales training – Courses like those from MedOpt (led by ex-Stryker professionals) can provide structured insights into MedTech sales. Before investing your hard earned $$ in training, take our Career Quiz to assess your readiness and ensure you’re focusing on the right areas to fill in your gaps.

💡 Want to understand what hiring managers look for?

Watch this insightful video interview with Julia Marquardt, Corporate Accounts Executive at Boston Scientific. (Note: This interview is from a U.S. perspective.)

The words ‘360-degree insight’ written in chalk on a blackboard, symbolizing a complete industry understanding
Gain a 360-Degree Insight into MedTech Sales

4️⃣ Prepare for Your Interview


When you get the opportunity to interview for a medical device sales role, make sure you:


Research the company and their MedTech portfolio.

Understand the devices you’ll be selling.

Know the competitive landscape and target audience.

Highlight past sales success and how you’ll contribute to the business.

Go in with an action plan.


💡 Understanding the team structure is crucial for long-term success.

Read The Crucial Role of Supportive Teams in Your Career to learn what to look for in an employer.

A calendar marked with ‘Job Interview 9:00 AM,’ a notepad with preparation notes, and a cup of coffee.
Prepare for Your MedTech Sales Interview

Now’s the time to act - Get Started Today

After reading these steps, ask yourself: How ready am I to transition into MedTech sales?

Take the Career Quiz to evaluate your readiness.

📊 Identify your strengths and gaps before making your next move.

📞 If you’re serious about moving into MedTech sales and want expert guidance on your next steps, Book a Career Chat with us today.

🔹 Want to know what recruiters really look for? Read The Truth About What Recruiters Want in a MedTech Sales Rep.

🚀 MedTech Search With a Difference – DukeMed.

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