NO Pharmaceutical background though! I've heard that one needs a 4 year degree (and it doesn't have to be life sciences ?)...

Someone please clarify that! I have a Human Resources background as a Generalist and Assistant working from casino environments to hospital environments,as well as secretarial in labs and hospitals...

Is there any hope? or do I need a sales degree? Will any companies take people with NO sales background?

thanks for your help!I have had many people tell me I would be good in the field.......

Any suggestions? I have a BA degree...(Social Work)

Not going to happen.  Pharm sales is the "dream job" of the week.  To really get hired (regardless of what the ad says), you need serious B2B sales experience and a degree in something scientific.  You might get away if you had one or the other (chem degree with no sales or serious sales with a degree in social work) but without either it won't happen.

You can always apply and see if you can somehow sneak through, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

Sorry!

Tess

Ugh! that really is too bad! A friend of mine had said she heard from another friend's husband that she would be able to get a pharmaceutical sales position even if she only had a 4 year degree..I guess it doesn't work that way!  Thank you for your input! I appreciate it!

I have to add something here. Tess is absolutely right that this is a seriously competitive field.

One thing that hasn't been stated is that successful pharma / device sales people tend to belong to a type. Highly focused, type A, presentable, professional group of people. And a group that thrives on follow-up, talking to people, etc.

Getting your resume through the door and passed is the first hurdle. And some backgrounds just look like a better fit than others. I agree with Tess that yours isn't an obvious fit. The second is to get a referral in. If you fit the bill above, and are a bit agressive and able to open the door, you might be able to get a meeting somewhere.

From there, it is what you make of it. I hope this addition helps.

Ian Christie
Career Changers Coach