What do you do if you're torn between pursuing an internship in medical sales or healthcare sales?

1 Assess Goals

When you're at a crossroads between medical and healthcare sales internships, start by evaluating your long-term career goals. Do you envision yourself in a role where you're directly impacting patient care through the latest medical technologies, or do you see yourself thriving in a broader healthcare landscape, perhaps even in policy or management? Understanding where you want to end up can guide your internship decision, as each path will equip you with different sets of skills and experiences. Consider the trajectory of both industries and how they align with your aspirations.

2 Industry Nuance

Understanding the nuances between medical and healthcare sales is crucial. Medical sales often involve in-depth knowledge of medical devices or pharmaceuticals, requiring a strong understanding of clinical applications and regulatory environments. Conversely, healthcare sales might be broader, encompassing various products and services that keep healthcare facilities running. Consider which type of product or service aligns with your interests and strengths. Are you more fascinated by the technical aspects of medical devices or drawn to the diverse offerings in healthcare?

3 Skill Set

Reflect on the skill set required for each field. Medical sales internships may demand a more technical focus, with an emphasis on product knowledge, compliance, and persuasive communication with healthcare professionals. Healthcare sales might require a broader understanding of the healthcare industry, including marketing strategies and business development. Think about which skills you already possess and which you're eager to develop. This reflection can help pinpoint the internship that best complements your existing talents and professional growth objectives.

4 Work Environment

Consider the typical work environment in medical versus healthcare sales. Medical sales roles often involve significant face-to-face interactions with healthcare professionals and may require frequent travel to different medical facilities. Healthcare sales might offer a wider variety of settings, from office environments to client meetings. Reflect on where you see yourself excelling—are you someone who enjoys being on the move and engaging directly with clients, or do you prefer a more stable location with varied daily tasks?

5 Networking Potential

Networking is a key component of any internship, and the connections you make could shape your career path. Medical sales internships might provide more opportunities to connect with healthcare providers and industry specialists, while healthcare sales internships could introduce you to a broader range of professionals in the healthcare sector. Consider which network aligns with your career goals and where you could benefit from strong professional relationships. The right internship can expand your network in meaningful ways that support your future career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?