Medical sales representatives are typically employed by pharmaceutical companies to sell products to healthcare professionals. Products can include medicines, prescription drugs, and medical equipment.

While many employers and recruitment agencies prefer medical representatives to have a degree in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, nursing or related fields, not having one of those qualifications doesn't necessarily stand in the way of employment. A degree in business or marketing is also looked upon in a positive light, and any degree at all helps to show that a certain academic ability and level has been achieved.

Specific training is usually provided to new staff by the employer in the early stages of employment. Further experience, particularly if the past qualifications have not been in a relevant subject, can be very helpful, especially if it involved work shadowing or work in a commercial or hospital placement.

Candidates should also be able to demonstrate excellent communication and the ability to think on their feet. They should be outgoing, with plenty of confidence and the type of persistence that doesn't collapse at the first, second or even third No. Team work is very important, although medical representatives spend a lot of time travelling alone.

Medical representatives are well remunerated, with starting salaries at around £24,000 p.a. and management roles beginning at around £40,000 p.a.