We surveyed 663 pharmaceutical sales representatives to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical pharmaceutical sales representative. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a pharmaceutical sales representative?
Low
High
Working as a pharmaceutical sales representative typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a pharmaceutical sales representative?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a pharmaceutical sales representative typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for pharmaceutical sales representatives.
Do pharmaceutical sales representatives work full-time or part-time?
96% of pharmaceutical sales representatives work in full-time roles while 4% work part-time.
Is being a pharmaceutical sales representative stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst pharmaceutical sales representatives, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a pharmaceutical sales representative?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a pharmaceutical sales representative.
How competitive is the workplace for pharmaceutical sales representatives?
Low
High
Pharmaceutical sales representatives tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a pharmaceutical sales representative require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for pharmaceutical sales representatives.
Are pharmaceutical sales representatives allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Pharmaceutical sales representatives rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do pharmaceutical sales representatives have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Pharmaceutical sales representatives have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a pharmaceutical sales representative physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a pharmaceutical sales representative may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are pharmaceutical sales representatives exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Pharmaceutical sales representatives tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a pharmaceutical sales representative require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a pharmaceutical sales representative.
Does being a good pharmaceutical sales representative require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as pharmaceutical sales representatives.