Sales Representative for Scientific Products

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sales Representative for Scientific Products?

A Sales Representative for Scientific Products specializes in selling a range of scientific and technical products, from laboratory equipment to pharmaceuticals. They work closely with scientific professionals to understand their needs and offer appropriate product solutions.

Sample job titles:

Inside Sales Representative, Marketing Representative, Sales Representative

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sales Representative for Scientific Products.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sales Representative for Scientific Products earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Sales Representative for Scientific Products.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$52K per year	$73K per year	$100K per year	$125K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.8K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sales Representative for Scientific Products do?

Work environment

These sales representatives often work in an environment that requires both office and field work. They frequently visit laboratories, hospitals, research institutions, and companies within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, requiring some travel.

Quick task list

Identifies potential customers and understands their scientific product needs.
Demonstrates and explains the features and benefits of products.
Negotiates contracts and closes sales.
Maintains customer relationships and provides post-sale support.
Stays up to date on industry trends and new product developments.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Laboratory Equipment Sales: Specializing in selling equipment used in research and clinical laboratories.
Pharmaceutical Sales: Focusing on selling prescription drugs to healthcare professionals.
Biotechnology Sales: Dealing with products related to biological research and development.
Medical Device Sales: Specializing in the sale of medical instruments and devices.
Chemical Sales: Selling industrial or laboratory chemicals.

Description

Sales Representatives for Scientific Products require a unique blend of scientific knowledge and sales acumen. They must understand complex scientific products and effectively communicate their benefits to customers, often who are experts in their respective fields. This role involves keeping abreast of the latest scientific advancements and products, as well as understanding the specific needs and challenges of their clientele.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as building long-term relationships with clients is key to success in this role. Representatives must be skilled in negotiation, able to handle objections, and persuasive in their sales techniques. Additionally, they need to be able to quickly adapt to new information and technologies in the fast-evolving scientific field.

This career can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy a mix of science and business. It offers opportunities to work at the forefront of scientific innovation, contributing to advancements in research and healthcare through the products they sell. The role can also involve travel, meeting a variety of people, and continuous learning.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to scientific and medical advancements through product sales.
Building lasting relationships with clients and understanding their scientific endeavors.
Continuous learning about new scientific products and technologies.

You might make a good Sales Representative for Scientific Products if you are...

Fascinated by scientific and technical products and enjoy staying updated on new technologies.
A strong communicator who can simplify complex information.
Interested in a career that combines science with interpersonal interaction and negotiation.
Self-motivated and enjoy the challenge of meeting sales targets.
Able to build and maintain professional relationships.

Pros:

Opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields.
Potential for high earnings through commissions and bonuses.
Variety in day-to-day activities and the chance to travel.

Cons:

The need to constantly update technical and scientific knowledge.
Pressure to meet sales targets and deadlines.
Balancing time between field visits and administrative tasks.

How to become a Sales Representative for Scientific Products

Typical education

A bachelor's degree is typically required, preferably in a field related to science or engineering. This amounts to around 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional sales training or experience in a scientific field is also highly beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) to build a strong scientific foundation.
Mathematics for developing analytical skills.
Business Studies or Economics to gain basic understanding of business practices.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining science clubs or participating in science fairs.
Engaging in debate or public speaking clubs to develop communication skills.
Volunteering or interning in sales or at science-related organizations.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field or in business with a focus on science.
Gain experience through internships in sales, particularly in scientific or technical companies.
Participate in sales training programs or workshops.

More resources

National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) - Offers sales training and certification programs.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - Provides resources and news on the latest in science and technology.
Sales & Marketing Management - A magazine offering insights on sales strategies and industry trends.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) - Offers resources and information for those in the biotechnology field.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.