Medical Sales U with Dave Sterrett

Are you a nurse or healthcare professional feeling burned out, underpaid, and stuck in a cycle of bureaucracy?Today, I reveal the 3-3-3 Framework: a blueprint specifically designed for bedside nurses who want to break into the high-paying world of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Sales.If you are tired of missing holidays and hitting a salary ceiling, this episode explains exactly what you actually need to do to land offers like our student Sydney, who went from $68k to a $138k package.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:The 3 Reasons to Leave: Why burnout and lack of creativity are signs it's time to pivot.The 3 Barriers: Why relying on your degree and "following orders" kills your chances in sales interviews.The 3 Solutions: How to leverage your clinical edge and tap into the 10,000+ open roles in biotech right now.READY TO LAND YOUR DREAM JOB? Apply to Medical Sales University and learn how we help nurses double their income in 12 weeks: medicalsalesu.com/TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro: The shift from Bedside to Sales01:38 - The 3 Reasons healthcare workers are leaving (Burnout & Bureaucracy)03:13 - Why your career growth has stalled04:10 - The 3 Barriers: Why you aren't getting hired yet05:00 - The "Middle Class Mindset" trap (Degree vs. Skills)06:12 - Mindset Shift: From Compliance to Ownership09:18 - The 3 Solutions: How to finally break in10:52 - Success Story: How Sydney landed a $138k Oncology role12:50 - Why mentorship beats doing it aloneABOUT THE HOST: Dave Sterrett is the founder of Medical Sales University, the #1 program helping nurses, PTs, and healthcare professionals break into pharmaceutical and oncology sales.ABOUT MEDICAL SALES U: Medical Sales U is the premier training program for professionals looking to break into high-paying careers in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Genetic Testing sales. We turn "outsiders" into top 1% candidates.CONNECT WITH US:Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/#MedicalSales #NursingCareer #PharmaSales #NurseBurnout #CareerChange #MedicalDeviceSales #HighPayingJobs #Nurselife

Are you trying to break into medical sales but stuck deciding between Pharmaceutical and Medical Device? Or maybe you're curious about the high-growth world of Diagnostics and Genomics?Today, we discuss the differences in pay, lifestyle, and entry-level requirements for each path. Whether you want the adrenaline of the Operating Room or the stability of a $130k+ base salary in Pharma, this episode covers the 12 key distinctions you need to know before applying. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:The Personality Test: Why "Engineers" love Device and "Scientists" love Pharma.The Paycheck: Real breakdown of base salaries vs. uncapped commissions.The Hidden Third Option: Why Oncology Diagnostics/Genomics might be the "Goldilocks" career path.Work-Life Balance: The reality of on-call surgical hours vs. the 9-to-5 pharma life.Success Stories: How a nurse (Sydney) and an immigrant (Kanika) broke in with $150k-$200k packages.READY TO BREAK IN? If you are struggling to get offers or don't know where to start, we help people from all backgrounds (nurses, coaches, teachers) launch their medical sales careers.Apply to Medical Sales U at medicalsalesu.com/TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro: The common dilemma (O.R. vs. Samples).01:06 - The 3 Paths: Pharma, Device, and Diagnostics.02:15 - Science vs. Engineering: Which fits your brain?04:35 - Salary Reveal: Entry-level Pharma Pay ($95k-$135k base).06:10 - The "Associate" Role: Why Device base pay starts lower.07:40 - The Top 1%: Earning potential ($300k - $750k).09:15 - Diagnostics Pay: The sweet spot?10:30 - The Sales Process: Who are you actually selling to?13:50 - Lifestyle Check: Early mornings vs. Family flexibility.17:15 - Career Advancement: From Rep to Regional Director.22:15 - Student Success: From $68k to $200k total comp.ABOUT MEDICAL SALES U: Medical Sales U is the premier training program for professionals looking to break into high-paying careers in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Genetic Testing sales. We turn "outsiders" into top 1% candidates.CONNECT WITH US:Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/#MedicalSales #PharmaceuticalSales #MedDevice #SalesCareer #DaveSterritt #CareerAdvice #HighPayingJobs #SalesTips

If you are making it to the panel interview but still getting those automated "Thanks but no thanks" emails, you are likely making one of these 3 fatal mistakes.In this episode, we reveal why high-achievers like nurses, D1 athletes, and experienced VPs fail to break into Pharma and Medical Device sales. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:- The "Immature Enthusiasm" Trap: Why being a "go-getter" isn't enough and the specific clinical research you MUST do before the first phone call.- The LinkedIn Strategy: Stop using LinkedIn like a digital resume. Learn the "20-Person Rule" and how to message hiring managers without being annoying.- The "Guard Down" Mistake: Why you are failing the field ride and peer interviews (and why you should never relax around potential colleagues).CHAPTERS (Jump to the section you need):0:00 - Intro: Why talented people get rejected01:50 - Mistake #1: You Didn’t Do the Research (FDA, Clinical Trials, Competitors)04:44 - Immature Enthusiasm vs. Professional Readiness05:12 - Mistake #2: You Are Using LinkedIn Wrong (Stop asking to "Pick their brain")06:35 - The "20-Person" LinkedIn Strategy12:33 - Mistake #3: You Are Not Networking Correctly (The "Invisible" Applicant)13:43 - Warning: The "Guard Down" Trap with Peer Reps ABOUT MEDICAL SALES U: Medical Sales U is the premier training program for professionals looking to break into high-paying careers in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Genetic Testing sales. We turn "outsiders" into top 1% candidates.CONNECT WITH US:Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/#MedicalSales #PharmaceuticalSales #CareerAdvice #SalesInterview #MedicalSalesU #JobSearchTips #LinkedInStrategy

Ready to stop wishing for a bigger role and actually build a massive career? In this episode, I sit down with Brent Lavin (BD Strategic Growth), the leader who took a personal medical scare and turned it into a 20+ product launch dynasty.Forget the generic advice. Brent gives us the raw truth on how he moved from a comfortable engineering role to orchestrating global M&A and strategic growth. He breaks down the one non-negotiable trait he looks for in hires and reveals the counterintuitive moves (like taking a pay cut for an MBA) that jump-started his success.Most people wait for the perfect invitation; Brent made his own seat at the table by being “humble, hungry, and smart.” You’ll learn how to stop waiting for permission and start scaling your own leadership, whether you're fresh out of college or ready for a major mid-career reinvention.Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/Brent Lavin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brent-lavin/

Beyond the MD: Why a Johns Hopkins MBA Chose Medical Sales U (ft. Dr. Kevin Maggisano)What does it take to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and business execution? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Maggisano, a professional who embodies the intersection of high-level medical vision and elite business strategy.Despite earning his MD from Western University and completing an MBA from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Maggisano believes that real leadership requires more than just degrees. It requires business clarity and strategic communication. That is exactly why he chose to enroll in Medical Sales U.In this episode, we cover:The Power of Continuous Growth: Why Dr. Maggisano believes leaders at every level, even those with MDs and MBAs, can still sharpen their business strategy and grow.Strategic Communication: How to move beyond clinical knowledge to master the art of communicating value and driving measurable results.Validating the Process: How Dr. Maggisano’s experience reinforces the credibility and direction of Medical Sales U, proving that our focus on leadership and results works for top-tier professionals.Building a Career: Insights on how to build a rewarding career inside the medical sales world by combining medical authority with sales acumen.Dr. Maggisano’s story is a powerful reminder that future leaders can trust the process. His voice amplifies our mission to help professionals identify their strengths and succeed in the competitive world of medical sales.About Dr. Kevin Maggisano: Dr. Maggisano combines deep medical insight with rigorous business training. He holds an MD from Western University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He joined Medical Sales U to further strengthen his leadership skills and refine his approach to business strategy.Learn more about coaching and career support at https://medicalsalesu.com/

Do you have a medical sales interview coming up?Pharma, medical device, diagnostics, or biotech… this video will help you stand out and win the offer. This industry is highly competitive, and the candidates who succeed do more than answer questions. They own the interview. What you will learn in this episode: - How to make a powerful first impression with “Tell me about yourself”- How to walk through your resume like a top performer- How to connect your background to the company’s mission, product, and impact on patients- How to communicate what makes you unique without clichés- How to discuss strengths and weaknesses with strategy and confidence- How to show cultural fit and real motivation- How to navigate the salary question without losing momentum- How to close strong and leave a memorable impressionEverything I teach comes from real hiring experience in medical sales, including pharma and oncology. After this video, you will know exactly how to prepare with purpose, communicate like a professional, and outperform people who may have more experience on paper.If you are serious about getting into or advancing in medical sales, you are in the right place.Subscribe to get coaching, tools, and real interview strategies that help you win the offer.Preparation creates confidence. Confidence wins offers.Learn more about coaching and career support at https://medicalsalesu.com/

Struggling to answer “Tell me about yourself?” in interviews?You’re not alone. Even the most talented candidates often freeze, ramble, or read their resume. In this episode, you’ll learn a proven framework to introduce yourself confidently and make hiring managers remember YOU.What you’ll learn in this video:• The #1 mistake candidates make when answering this question• The PSPT™ framework: Personal – Successful – Professional – Transferable• How to share your story with purpose (without oversharing)• Real examples for nurses, pharmacists, teachers, and IT/sales professionals• Tips to speak with confidence, posture, and presence• How to stay under 3 minutes, and still stand outWhether you're breaking into medical sales, interviewing for a leadership role, or simply growing your career, this strategy works.By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to own your story and deliver it naturally in any interview.If this helped you, hit LIKE and FOLLOW for more career and interview coaching.Turn on notifications so you don’t miss new episodes!Want 1:1 coaching or to join our community?Visit: Medical Sales U — We help you break into the industry with confidence.Drop a comment:What’s one achievement you’ll include in your “Tell me about yourself” answer?CHAPTERS00:00 Why “Tell Me About Yourself” is so hard00:30 Personal — Make it human02:48 Successful — Show the numbers06:20 Professional — Tell your growth story10:57 Transferable — Connect to the job13:53 Avoid these common mistakes15:41 Full PSPT™ recap + next steps

In this episode, Kevin Kelleher (Director of Medical Affairs at Medtronic & founder of the Rural Health Technology Consortium) shares his journey from nurse to sales leader, and why passion, and not just money, must drive your career.Kevin’s story really stuck with me. He went from nursing into sales, but what makes his perspective different is how he ties everything back to passion and purpose. He also opens up about what it’s like serving rural communities, the push for more diversity in clinical research, and even how he balances leadership with family life. Honestly, it’s one of those conversations that leaves you rethinking your life. From breaking into medical sales, building trust in rural healthcare, and tackling diversity in clinical research, to leadership, productivity, and family balance... Kevin brings powerful lessons you can apply today.

From pharmacist to Eli Lilly sales rep in just 5 weeks.In this episode, Francesco Russo shares how he went from burnout in retail pharmacy to landing a high-paying role in pharmaceutical sales thanks to strategy, networking, and a customized plan. His story proves that even highly educated professionals need more than degrees to stand out.Do you want to break into pharma or medical sales? Learn the strategies Francesco used inside this episode.

From trauma orthopedics to plastic surgery sales: Alexandra Flax shares how she broke into Stryker, transitioned into a role she loves, and built a LinkedIn presence that inspires thousands. Learn what it takes to succeed in medical sales, manage the grind, and create a career (and life) you actually enjoy.Alexandra's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-flax/

Kyle Dunn, founder of Hyperdrive Bio and creator of Voyager, shares how his innovative sales intelligence platform is transforming medical and diagnostic sales. Learn how Voyager gives reps and startup leaders the ability to target physicians more strategically using real data, including prescription patterns, research interests, and Medicare billing. Discover how this tool helps both aspiring and experienced reps stand out in interviews, break into oncology and diagnostics, and boost sales performance with personalized outreach and pre-call planning.Follow Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledunndx/

What if sales weren't about selling at all? In this episode of Medical Sales U, Paul Kesig shares how loving people, not just products, can transform your career in medical and pharmaceutical sales, believe it or not. From breaking into the industry to building real connections, this conversation flips the script on what success looks like in sales.

Most people think sales is about pushing products. Kendy Elmore thinks it’s about treating people with genuine respect.In this episode, we go beyond quotas and KPIs to explore what really builds great salespeople: humility, emotional connection, purpose, and yes, gathering face to face with meal or drinks. Whether you're overconfident, underconfident, or just curious about what it means to love what you sell, this one’s for you.Sales isn’t just a job: it’s a legacy.Stay on the red dot. Show up. Bring value.And don’t let your competitor’s car scare you away from your next breakthrough.

In this powerful episode of the Medical Sales U Podcast, I sit down with Nick Rich—cancer survivor, AYA advocate, and now a Senior Oncology Account Specialist at Pfizer. Nick opens up about his deeply personal journey from battling cancer to building a career in oncology sales, where he now helps bring life-saving treatments to patients fighting the very diseases he once faced.We discuss how his diagnosis shaped his purpose, the pivotal moments that led him into medical sales, and how his fundraising team helped raise over $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You’ll hear the grit behind his transition from patient to professional, and how he channels his pain into purpose every day on the job.Whether you’re in sales, healthcare, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will move you. Nick’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the impact of using your story to serve others.

Most people who try to break into medical sales fail not because they are not smart, hardworking, or talented but because they do not know the rules. In this episode, I break down the three nonnegotiable traits that every hiring manager is looking for: coachability, curiosity, and collaboration. These are not buzzwords. They are the difference between staying stuck in a 40K job and earning 100K in your first year.   I share real stories from the field including how I got humbled by a manager named Bud and what Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and even Navy SEAL David Goggins can teach us about leveling up. If you are tired of spinning your wheels, submitting endless applications, or hearing silence after interviews, this episode is for you. Learn the mindset, the strategies, and the daily habits that get people hired and make you a force in this industry.

From Nurse to Oncology Sales: Catina Pitzen's Journey   What does it take to go from bedside nurse to top oncology sales rep? In this episode of Medical Sales U, I sit down with Catina Pitzen, Senior Oncology Sales Representative at Eisai and board member of the Columbus chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.   Catina shares how her nursing roots—especially her love for labor and delivery—prepared her for success in one of the most complex areas of pharmaceutical sales.   We discuss the realities of breaking into oncology, the power of pre-call planning, and how her commitment to lifelong learning shapes her approach. Whether you're a nurse considering a new career or a sales professional exploring oncology, Catina’s story is a powerful reminder that clinical experience and curiosity can open doors in medical sales.

In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Holli Brackman, a recent graduate of Medical Sales U and one of Canon Medical Technologies' newest hires. Holli’s journey from exercise science and cardiac rehab to breaking into medical sales is nothing short of inspiring. We dove into her strategy for standing out, from crafting a standout LinkedIn presence to creating a customized brag book that sealed the deal. Holly also shared what it’s like to step into her first role, starting December 2nd, and how she’s preparing for success. If you’re looking for practical advice on getting into medical sales—or just need some motivation to take that next step—this episode is for you.

Welcome to Medical Sells U! I’m Dave Sterrett, and today we’re diving into how we’ve helped students land high-paying roles in medical and pharma sales since April 2024. Hear real stories of career shifts, including my own—from a religious studies major to a successful medical sales professional. Get ready to learn strategies for standing out, from LinkedIn networking to interview mastery. If you’re aiming to break into or advance in this field, you won’t want to miss it!

Discover how Dave Bjork transformed his battle with lung cancer into a mission to save lives through innovation. This could change how you view Medical Sales. _______________________  Follow Medical Sales U:  https://medicalsalesu.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MedicalSalesU1 https://www.instagram.com/medicalsalesu https://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-sales-u https://www.tiktok.com/@medicalsalesu https://twitter.com/medicalsalesu 

Thinking about a career in medical sales? Guest Kyle Dunn breaks down the secrets to success in this competitive field. Plus, find out how to stand out with innovative tech and data. Join the conversation with expert Kyle Dunn, who reveals his journey from employee to CEO of a $25M company. _______________________  Follow Medical Sales U:  https://medicalsalesu.com/  https://www.facebook.com/MedicalSalesU1  https://www.instagram.com/medicalsalesu/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-sales-u/  https://www.tiktok.com/@medicalsalesu  https://twitter.com/medicalsalesu