Career Change

[TiffanySun]

Currently I hold a science degree and have already completed a one year internship as a research assistant. During my time at the lab I realized that research may not be for me. I wanted to work in a fast paced environment where I can interact with people daily and be part of team. So after looking at my strengths I felt that sales would be a good fit. I should mention that I have no prior sales experience and many positions require some experience. I also understand that it can be very hard to break into that industry without experience. Do you think this is a realistic career change for somebody with so little experience?


P.s. I've already started applying to medical sales positions through job boards and company websites but I was wondering if anybody had any tips to help me maximize my job search.

[ksl]

The only tip i can give you is to believe in yourself when it comes to sales! If you can do that, you can offer your services on a commission only basis. No company wants to lose good sales people.

So you need to prove you can produce the goods by offering yourself at a discount for a probational period.

So a small retainer with a sizable commission would kick start your career in the probabtion period, ensure you have it all on contract and don't under value yourself. Good sales people don't really need employment, if they can negotiate a good deal that covers everything including health insurance and holidays.

My advice to you would be to invest a little money in yourself by purchasing some goods you feel comfortable selling and get out there and do it, there are also many low points in the life of the salesman, and these you have to deal with, researching your market will help you evaluate the risks involved.

There are salemen, promoters and closers, which one are you? Do you speak Chinese?

[TiffanySun]

I speak Cantonese but I should have mentioned that I am a foreigner. If I manage to land a sales job I would prefer to have a steady income since I will be starting over in a different country. So I've been looking into sales positions with pharmaceutical companies to sell their drugs. I know that pharmaceutical reps earn a base salary plus commission in America and I imagined it would be the same in Singapore. Are my assumptions wrong?

I'm also open minded so I'm also exploring other career paths I could follow with my degree, but I'm not sure what options are available in Singapore. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[ksl]

I speak Cantonese but I should have mentioned that I am a foreigner. If I manage to land a sales job I would prefer to have a steady income since I will be starting over in a different country. So I've been looking into sales positions with pharmaceutical companies to sell their drugs. I know that pharmaceutical reps earn a base salary plus commission in America and I imagined it would be the same in Singapore. Are my assumptions wrong?

I'm also open minded so I'm also exploring other career paths I could follow with my degree, but I'm not sure what options are available in Singapore. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

It is probably the same in Singapore as other Countries, however I would think the retainer or base salary is much less than the states. Sales jobs without speaking Mandarin I doubt you will find! Though Singapore does have quite a few MNC in the pharmacy industry, it maybe worth looking in your own Country first with the hope of being transferred. Other than that, I can only say the government is tightening the criteria for talent, making it much more difficult to get in. Mandarin is a must in Singapore for local sales work.

[TiffanySun]

Can you tell me what MNC is? I've seen it on quite a few positions and I tried to goggle it but I'm not sure if what I found is correct.

[sundaymorningstaple]

[BillyB]

Can you tell me what MNC is? I've seen it on quite a few positions and I tried to goggle it but I'm not sure if what I found is correct.

Multi-National Cunnilingus

[Tigerslayer]

Ignore SMS who obviously knew what MNC was while still in the womb...

Lets not forget that we have to learn at some point and we don't all have the same exposure in life.

MNC = Multi National Corporation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_corporation

The way I see it is you have two 'nice' options, help or ignore. Pissing on people from your perch is kinda low.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I actually have three. Read up on what you google and look at the context comes to mind. Unfortunately, it's the second listing through the rest of the page, but honestly who would think ALL the adverts she sees are for the Media Nusantara Citra, an Indonesian company? The rest of the page defines what MNC's are.

Singapore is tightening up on who they allow in now as foreign "talent".

[Tigerslayer]

If 'Talent' is defined by knowing what MNC stands for Singapore has bigger issues...

While you may seem wise in this place i'm sure she may be able to school you on topics she has been more exposed to.

Lets hope one day you don't need her help

[sundaymorningstaple]

You are exactly right. Singapore's problem is that they let in too many "talents" who weren't. Now they are being more selective.......

[JR8]

http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&xhr=t&q= ... 4fcbabbea5

1.1 million results.

I don't think it unreasonable to expect people here seeking help, to first show a modicum of initiative. In fact I am surprised nay proud to be part of a community like this that routinely goes beyond the call to help people who evidently are trying to better themselves.

Or are you volunteering for 'I'll happily wipe that for you' duty from now on?

[Tigerslayer]

besides...

During my time at the lab I realized that research may not be for me.

Read up on what you google and look at the context comes to mind. Unfortunately, it's the second listing through the rest of the page, but honestly who would think ALL the adverts she sees are for the Media Nusantara Citra, an Indonesian company? The rest of the page defines what MNC's are.

You sir... need to pay more attention

Edit to say:- You too JR8

[Tigerslayer]

http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&xhr=t&q= ... 4fcbabbea5

1.1 million results.

I don't think it unreasonable to expect people here seeking help, to first show a modicum of initiative. In fact I am surprised nay proud to be part of a community like this that routinely goes beyond the call to help people who evidently are trying to better themselves.

Or are you volunteering for 'I'll happily wipe that for you' duty from now on?

I am volunteering to walk on by instead of belittling someone because I consider their ask for help 'beneath me'.

People have to qualify for help from some people here or get mocked for it. I fail to understand how someone can spend their time to post an emote and not be bothered to add a few lines to help at the same time.

I agree this forum, and the forummers in question have helped countless people and that is something i have a lot of respect for.

But is there a need to somehow balance this out by being an ass? People too scared they might start growing angel wings or a halo?

[JR8]

I've no idea how your post hangs together, i.e. what you're trying to say.

Are you going to let us know the key to your secret code?

?