Why you should pursue a career in market access

Market Access is a multifaceted process that is essentially the driving force behind the successful delivery of every medical device, drug, or therapy to market. It’s the final hurdle in launching a healthcare product and entails getting the right device or treatment to the right patient at the right time. It’s also one of the fastest-growing industries, with global pharmaceutical sales expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2023.

This exponential growth is a result of the rapid development of technology and science – two contributors that are adding to the excitement of the industry as new solutions unfold. Suffice it to say, with so many innovations transpiring, now is the ultimate time to work in medical sales or market access.

But remember - to navigate this role, research competency and deep industry knowledge are essential. Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to inform, influence, and persuade will also be to your advantage. If this sounds like you, consider these three reasons why you should pursue a career in market access:

Market access specialists play a key role in each step of the product lifecycle. From conceptualisation through to market authorisation and sales, they are a common denominator that shapes the path of each product and therapy they are assigned. This process can be incredibly rewarding. You will pay witness to clinical development and then bring the product or therapy right through to patient access – where you will witness first-hand how treatment can improve a patient’s life in a real-world setting.

Many market access specialists work in different divisions and sometimes across multiple geographical regions, so no two projects are the same. This is good news if you enjoy unique challenges, forward-thinking, and innovation. You may even have multiple projects to balance at one time. This type of management will require agility and flexibility, but if you can keep up with the pace, you could be working on evidence generation plans one day and a product launch event the next.

Many key players are involved in improving healthcare and developing new devices, drugs, and therapies. So, it goes without saying that a market access specialist needs to be a people person. If you enjoy liaising with stakeholders, building relationships and networks, and working with a diverse range of professionals who are passionate about improving healthcare, then you can find personal fulfilment in a market access career. Personal fulfilment is important for your mental well-being and will help attain life satisfaction.

How do you become a market access manager?

If you want to change the world, then market access manager careers and similar healthcare roles are the way forward. To become a market access specialist or manager, you will need to complete a Life Sciences degree. Furthermore, candidates need to demonstrate a high level of knowledge of the health sector and possess relevant experience. Passion and determination are needed to advance in your career.

IQVIA delivers quality patient-centric and medical solutions to help customers in the healthcare industry. We’re committed to delivering the best results and we offer equal opportunities to all qualified individuals. IQVIA understands the challenges healthcare and life sciences companies face, and we strive to make a positive impact. Browse our latest medical market access vacancies and join us on our mission to advance the healthcare sector.

Looking to ace that interview? Read: How to prepare for a market access interview so that you can secure that role in market access.