Breakthroughs in medical science and technological advances have resulted in better and more effective treatments for many human diseases and conditions. Likewise, science has expanded and improved treatments for animals, allowing veterinary medicine to offer a wider range of options to farmers and pet owners. The link between animal science and the veterinarian is the animal pharmaceutical sales representative. Animal pharmaceutical sales reps market drugs, medical treatments and medical technology to veterinarians in animal clinics and hospitals.
Necessary Skills
Successful animal pharmaceutical sales representatives have an up-to-date knowledge of the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. They are familiar with the treatments for common animal illnesses, diseases and disorders, the different manufacturers and the drugs they make, and the latest news and breakthroughs in veterinary medicine and pharmaceuticals. This job requires an understanding of medical terminology and the ability to interpret statistics and other scientific and clinical data.
In addition to understanding veterinary science and the animal drug industry, you should have marketing skills. An important part of your job will be making and maintaining contacts with veterinarians and other clients, presenting convincing data about the products you represent and persuading clients to buy these products. Excellent interpersonal skills and a competitive spirit are useful in this job. Professional sales reps continuously practice how to effectively present data and communicate with their clients. If you like setting goals and working hard to achieve them, you will have the motivation to be a good sales representative.
Required Educational Background
The minimal educational requirement for pharmaceutical sales training is a four-year Bachelor’s Degree, although some applicants complete a two-year Master’s Degree to increase their employment chances in this competitive field. Since you will need to be knowledgeable about veterinary medicine and drug treatments, a degree in animal science, chemistry or biology will be useful. Coursework in veterinary medicine, pharmacology, marketing, business and accounting is also a good foundation for this profession.
Pharmaceutical companies who hire veterinary sales reps provide training and materials about their products. It will be to your benefit to attend seminars, training sessions and conferences in your field. These events will help you expand your network of contacts, enhance your marketing skills and keep you up-to-date on advances in veterinary medicine and pharmacology.
Job Prospects
Finding a position as an animal pharmaceutical sales rep may take some effort as it is a competitive field. Prior experience in business-to-business sales may increase your chances of landing a job in veterinary pharmaceutical sales.
Some veterinary pharmaceutical sales reps visit clients in their offices or clinics within one region. Others travel to many different regions. Your hours may be irregular; sales reps often meet with clients after office hours.
Salary
Like most other sales jobs, the income for animal pharmaceutical sales representatives is a combination of base salary, commissions earned from sales, bonuses and, if applicable, travel expenses. The average annual salary for this profession is $90,000.
The animal drug industry may not be as huge and competitive as human pharmaceuticals, but animal science and medicine continues to evolve. If you find veterinary science an interesting field and you have the motivation to meet—and exceed—your sales goals, you will enjoy working as an animal pharmaceutical representative.