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How to specialise in oncology sales

Oncologists focus on diagnosing and treating cancer while overseeing treatment and managing post-treatment care.

The oncology drugs market worldwide is expected to reach a market volume of $268bn by 2029. Competitiveness is increasing in this fast-growing sector opening up many opportunities for professionals looking to progress in their careers.

From medical oncologists and clinical oncologists to those specialising in oncology sales, there are many opportunities to deliver life-changing work to patients.

Why choose oncology sales as a career?

If you’ve been wondering “What is it like to work in oncology?”, we’ve explored some factors that might just answer your question.

Working on an oncology project at IQVIA is fulfilling for several reasons. Every day, you will be working towards having a profound impact on the lives of patients. 

You get to work at the forefront of the medical landscape and take an active role in helping healthcare professionals support their patients with the latest knowledge.

It might be a competitive field but there are plenty of career opportunities for ambitious professionals seeking to make a difference.

Below, we’ve expanded on three reasons why oncology sales is a great career choice.

1. It's meaningful and rewarding 

When the primary aspect of your role involves supplying medical professionals with the necessary information to prescribe the required medications for patients, it’s safe to say your work will be meaningful and rewarding.

Oncology sales specialists are driven to improve patient outcomes by educating and promoting oncology products to key stakeholder communities.

In your day-to-day, your partnership with customers will help ease the burden of cancer by communicating with stakeholders to discover their needs. 

Building relationships with your customers so that they can deliver quality care is definitely a reason to consider this career path.

2. It's constantly evolving

More and more breakthroughs and treatments emerge each year within oncology. 

Over 2,000 new oncology clinical trials started in 2023 showing significant promise for cancer treatment, making it an exciting time to step onto the dynamic oncology career ladder. 

With global spending on cancer medicine increasing year on year, it makes sense that the industry offers a lot of opportunities for diverse career growth specifically in medical sales.

3. There are fantastic career opportunities 

There really is a wide range of exciting pathways in oncology. 

If you’re looking to progress your medical sales career in Oncology, there are many sought-after roles that really mean you can have an impact on people’s lives. 

From Medical Sales Reps to Key Account Managers, if you have the key strengths needed to thrive in medical sales, IQVIA can help you find the perfect role.

But how do you specialise in oncology sales specifically?

Medical sales is a fantastic and rewarding career, it’s perfect for people looking to take on a new challenge. It’s a flexible and well-paid role where you can really make a difference. 

You have a lot of duty and responsibility and you can always keep on learning new things. 

Oncology sales specialists are driven to improve patient outcomes by educating and promoting oncology products to key stakeholders.

But when it comes to medical sales, how do you specifically get into oncology?

We’ve put together a list of how you can specialise:

  • If you haven’t got an oncology qualification or background don’t worry too much - you can still get your foot on the career ladder by upskilling and developing. Look for online courses and certifications that are industry-recognised to demonstrate your understanding of the field.
  • You can work on refining medical sales skills that are relevant to this career. 
  • Shadow an oncology sales professional to understand the nuances of the role and see the work in action.
  • Tailor your CV for every role you apply for - make sure to really demonstrate your technical and soft skills that will benefit you in this field.
  • When it gets to your interview, research the strategic direction of the company in the wider oncology space and highlight how your motivation and technical abilities are matched to this.

Step into a career in oncology sales with IQVIA

Working in oncology sales at IQVIA is more than just a job, it’s a stepping stone on the path to an exciting future. 

From upskilling and developing your skillset, tailoring your CV, and shadowing professionals already in the field, there are a lot of avenues for you to specialise in oncology sales.

Now you know what it takes to embark on this career journey, the next step is browsing the jobs available. Look at our medical sales jobs today and join a team playing a vital role in moving healthcare forward. 

List #1

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