13 answers
Gabrielle
Student
Rochester, Michigan
2
Questions
Updated
677 views
How can I set myself best up for success in a major that doesn't offer specific job opportunities without prior experience ?
I am a current college sophmore studying health communication with a minor in sales. I want to be a medical device sales representative but am unsure on how to get into that field considering every oportunity I have come across requires prior experience.
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13 answers
Jennifer Judy
Enablement, Sales, Data
3
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Gabrielle this is a common concern for everyone starting out in their career. We've all been there and it is hard. I would recommend that you look into internships as one path to allow you to get insights on a job. This can help you with real life experiences and insights. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family to tap into their network of friends and colleagues. These can be good resources for you to learn more about a role and be able to put work on your resume. Stay curious and be persistent. Persistence will pay off.
Mohd Norizwan Azwari Mat Ghani
Manufacturing System Engineering
3
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Mohd Norizwan Azwari’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle,
Don't worry about not having experience. Everyone starts without it, and you'll gain more as you work. To begin, focus on learning what you need to succeed. For example, in sales, you'll need strong presentation and communication skills. If you're working with medical devices, having some technical knowledge helps, but the company will train you on that.
Don't worry about not having experience. Everyone starts without it, and you'll gain more as you work. To begin, focus on learning what you need to succeed. For example, in sales, you'll need strong presentation and communication skills. If you're working with medical devices, having some technical knowledge helps, but the company will train you on that.
Lisa Morgan
Software Sales
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
I'm thrilled to hear you're interested in device sales! That's how I started over 10 years ago, and I understand it can be tough to get into. But with determination and consistency, you can do it. Here are a few tips that helped me and might help you too:
- Companies like Canon, Xerox, and Konica Minolta often hire people for medical sales. Having experience with these companies can give you a great portfolio to show off your sales skills.
- Remember, networking is key. You're selling yourself every day.
- You don't need a medical background; they want people who can sell.
- When you're ready, reach out to recruiters to start interviewing.
Wishing you the best of luck!
- Companies like Canon, Xerox, and Konica Minolta often hire people for medical sales. Having experience with these companies can give you a great portfolio to show off your sales skills.
- Remember, networking is key. You're selling yourself every day.
- You don't need a medical background; they want people who can sell.
- When you're ready, reach out to recruiters to start interviewing.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Dany Oghia
Inside Account Executive
9
Answers
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Dany’s Answer
Hey, you’re not behind — this is actually very common for medical device sales.
Most people don’t break into device sales with direct experience. What companies really look for is communication skill, coachability, and comfort learning complex products — which fits your health communication major and sales minor very well.
The key is to aim for entry or associate roles, not full rep positions right away. Things like associate rep, clinical specialist, inside sales, or territory support are designed to teach the field.
Also, remember that experience doesn’t have to be “medical device” to count. Jobs where you explain information, build relationships, or sell in a professional setting translate extremely well — it’s all about how you tell that story.
Learn the industry on your own, talk to people already in device sales, and be clear about why you want this path. Most reps didn’t start with experience either — they showed potential and willingness to learn. This has worked for me, each time. I have worked at Medela, a medical device company.
Most people don’t break into device sales with direct experience. What companies really look for is communication skill, coachability, and comfort learning complex products — which fits your health communication major and sales minor very well.
The key is to aim for entry or associate roles, not full rep positions right away. Things like associate rep, clinical specialist, inside sales, or territory support are designed to teach the field.
Also, remember that experience doesn’t have to be “medical device” to count. Jobs where you explain information, build relationships, or sell in a professional setting translate extremely well — it’s all about how you tell that story.
Learn the industry on your own, talk to people already in device sales, and be clear about why you want this path. Most reps didn’t start with experience either — they showed potential and willingness to learn. This has worked for me, each time. I have worked at Medela, a medical device company.
Elizabeth Neves
Strategy/Sales Analytics
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle,
I remember being in your shoes just a handful of years ago. The way that I overcame this hurdle was landing an Internship my sophomore year of college and leveraging that experience to get other internships during my college years so that by the time I graduated I had 1-2 years of relevant experience. It was definitely a grind, but well worth the time and energy and security of knowing that you will have more experiences than others your age interviewing.
Another important piece is networking, for the role(s) I was super interested in I would message people that worked there on LinkedIn and ask for a 10-minute call to understand the company, culture and what their job actually looked like on a day to day, and it was SO helpful. Some people will even offer to refer you. This helps you get an idea of what you are actually getting yourself into a company more than just the positive things the recruiter will tell you. Remember to come prepared with questions to ask. Copilot is great to help you think of some as well.
Hope this helps! :)
I remember being in your shoes just a handful of years ago. The way that I overcame this hurdle was landing an Internship my sophomore year of college and leveraging that experience to get other internships during my college years so that by the time I graduated I had 1-2 years of relevant experience. It was definitely a grind, but well worth the time and energy and security of knowing that you will have more experiences than others your age interviewing.
Another important piece is networking, for the role(s) I was super interested in I would message people that worked there on LinkedIn and ask for a 10-minute call to understand the company, culture and what their job actually looked like on a day to day, and it was SO helpful. Some people will even offer to refer you. This helps you get an idea of what you are actually getting yourself into a company more than just the positive things the recruiter will tell you. Remember to come prepared with questions to ask. Copilot is great to help you think of some as well.
Hope this helps! :)
Lisa Carey
Resource Manager
15
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hello! Gaining any sales experience can be a great boost for you. An internship with a company that sells hardware can be especially helpful. In sales, you learn about the product, understand what the customer needs, and show how your product can help them. Good salespeople listen carefully, ask the right questions, and tailor their pitch to fit the customer's needs. This skill is valuable in any industry. You can do it!
Gulcan Uluyurt
Sales Account Executive in Tech
2
Answers
Berlin, Germany
Updated
Gulcan’s Answer
Gabrielle, this is a very common concern for students and early-career professionals. We've all been there at some point, and it can definitely feel frustrating when many opportunities seem to require experience before you're given a chance to gain it.
The good news is that you're already taking a great step by knowing what you would like to pursue.
My advice would be to focus on gaining practical experience while you're still in college. Look for internships with medical device companies, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or even general sales organizations. Any experience that helps you develop communication, relationship-building, and sales skills will strengthen your resume.
You may also want to consider:
-Volunteering in healthcare settings to gain exposure to the industry
-Joining student organizations related to healthcare or sales
-Pursuing relevant certifications or training programs that demonstrate your interest in the field
Don't be discouraged by job descriptions that ask for prior experience. Employers are often looking for candidates who show initiative, curiosity, and a genuine interest in the industry. Focus on building your experience step by step, and internships can be an excellent foot in the door.
The good news is that you're already taking a great step by knowing what you would like to pursue.
My advice would be to focus on gaining practical experience while you're still in college. Look for internships with medical device companies, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or even general sales organizations. Any experience that helps you develop communication, relationship-building, and sales skills will strengthen your resume.
You may also want to consider:
-Volunteering in healthcare settings to gain exposure to the industry
-Joining student organizations related to healthcare or sales
-Pursuing relevant certifications or training programs that demonstrate your interest in the field
Don't be discouraged by job descriptions that ask for prior experience. Employers are often looking for candidates who show initiative, curiosity, and a genuine interest in the industry. Focus on building your experience step by step, and internships can be an excellent foot in the door.
Jessica Segura
WW PO E-commerce
8
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
The challenge is that medical device sales is one of those industries where “entry-level” often still expects some proof that you can sell, network, or operate professionally. The key is building relevant experience before graduation.
Get Any Sales Experience You Can
Learn the Industry Early
Network Aggressively attending healthcare/business networking events
Look for Adjacent Entry Points
Build Skills That Make You Stand Out
Get Any Sales Experience You Can
Learn the Industry Early
Network Aggressively attending healthcare/business networking events
Look for Adjacent Entry Points
Build Skills That Make You Stand Out
Chris Gee
Customer Success
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Most places will prefer experience, but I'd try to get general sales experience and see how you can translate that to resume/interviews. For something specific like medical sales, having a strong background in biology/anatomy could help as well and give you a leg up on someone else that doesn't have experience. But ultimately jobs that are looking for sales reps will say they want experience, but if you can prove out how you can hustle, and showcase other types of sales experience, this could help set you apart.
Marisol Mena Bonilla
Project Manager
15
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Marisol’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about that, especially in fields where the path isn’t very linear. One of the best things you can do is start gaining experience early, even in small ways — internships, volunteer work, personal projects, certifications, networking, or joining student organizations can all help build confidence and make your resume stronger.
Also, try not to underestimate transferable skills like communication, leadership, organization, and adaptability — employers value those a lot. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Most people build their careers step by step, and being curious, proactive, and open to learning already puts you ahead.
Also, try not to underestimate transferable skills like communication, leadership, organization, and adaptability — employers value those a lot. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Most people build their careers step by step, and being curious, proactive, and open to learning already puts you ahead.
Richa Sachdeva
Recruiting Advisor
5
Answers
India
Updated
Richa’s Answer
To succeed in a sales job, it's important to know the product well. Since you're already learning health communication, understanding health-related terms should be easy for you. Use this to your advantage. When creating your resume for medical device sales jobs, highlight key skills and terms that are important in the field. This will improve your chances of getting noticed.
Look for jobs on your country's job portal with filters for 0–1-year experience, as these are open to freshers. Apply for these roles and reach out to relevant people on LinkedIn. Let them know you're interested in the roles they've posted and send a brief summary of your profile for a quick read.
Also, post on LinkedIn that you're looking for entry-level medical device sales roles, and tag people from companies hiring in this area. Make your profile headline catchy and mention your knowledge of medical products.
Look for jobs on your country's job portal with filters for 0–1-year experience, as these are open to freshers. Apply for these roles and reach out to relevant people on LinkedIn. Let them know you're interested in the roles they've posted and send a brief summary of your profile for a quick read.
Also, post on LinkedIn that you're looking for entry-level medical device sales roles, and tag people from companies hiring in this area. Make your profile headline catchy and mention your knowledge of medical products.
Liu ketap
1
Answer
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Liu’s Answer
To succeed in a major with no clear job pathways and no prior experience, focus on building your own opportunities.
First, identify transferable skills from your studies: critical thinking, writing, communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Then pick one or two target entry roles that value general skills, such as operations, content, admin or project support.
Gain practical experience through campus leadership, club activities, volunteering, and personal projects like writing, research or social media work. Learn basic workplace skills independently, build a simple portfolio, and start with internships or entry-level roles to gradually build professional experience.
First, identify transferable skills from your studies: critical thinking, writing, communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Then pick one or two target entry roles that value general skills, such as operations, content, admin or project support.
Gain practical experience through campus leadership, club activities, volunteering, and personal projects like writing, research or social media work. Learn basic workplace skills independently, build a simple portfolio, and start with internships or entry-level roles to gradually build professional experience.
Yating Sui
4
Answers
Updated
Yating’s Answer
Ask your professors if you can tailor projects to healthcare/medical sales (e.g., a communication campaign for a hypothetical medical device, or a sales pitch analysis for a real product).
Join your school’s sales or pre-health clubs to practice presentations and networking.
Join your school’s sales or pre-health clubs to practice presentations and networking.