How to Become a Biomedical Sales Engineer
- 1). Obtain at least a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering or bioscience. Gaining laboratory and medical research experience during your education helps when you must become familiar with existing products and the development of new products. Going on to a master's degree can add to research experience and will likely result in higher pay.
- 2). Concentrate also on English and communications courses during your education, as suggested by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to become competent in the sales aspect of being a biomedical sales engineer. Good communication skills are vital in dealing with the complex products sold to hospital administrators, doctors, researchers and other common biomedical supply clients.
- 3). Look for positions that offer on-the-job training in any position right out of college. Sometimes this would include following a sales mentor, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, who can train a new sales engineer in specific products and existing customers. There are also instances of a biomedical engineer paired with a superior salesperson to make a team that is proficient in both engineering and sales.
- 4). Work as a biomedical engineer if on-the-job training is not available, as many present sales engineers have done before beginning their sales careers, as indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Research lab work and specialization in the supply you wish to sell is encouraged in order to become an effective and knowledgeable biomedical sales engineer.
- 5). Decide if you would like to work with a biomedical supply company or be an independent salesperson. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that an independent salesperson may enjoy higher commissions, but would not receive benefits such as paid vacation and reimbursed travel expenses. In addition, some companies offer incentives, such as a free vacation trip, as a reward for high sales numbers.
- 6). Keep current with updates and new products in the biomedical field, which may include retraining. Continuing education courses in biomedical engineering, some of which are recently accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), are available at many universities. The cost of those courses may be paid by your company, if you are not independent.
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