Breaking Into Medical Sales: Top Entry-Level Roles for Grads & Career Changers
Breaking into medical sales can feel like trying to crack encrypted code - especially if you’re a new grad or pivoting from another field. The roles sound technical, the job descriptions are dense, and every listing seems to want “3+ years of experience.”
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a stacked résumé to get started. You just need the right entry point - and the right people in your corner.
At The Lobby, we’ve helped hundreds of aspiring reps learn what to look for to land their first role in medical sales. Whether you’re coming from retail, healthcare, athletics, or something else entirely, the path in isn’t always obvious - but it is accessible.
Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Great First Role in Medical Sales?
According to Lobby founder Kendy Elmore, it’s less about what the job says and more about what it sets you up for.
“If you're early in your career, look for roles that offer a strong sales development program, territory exposure, and an opportunity for career growth,” Elmore explains. “You want to find an opportunity to learn the products, prove yourself, and grow as a sales professional.That’s what’ll open doors you’ll want to walk through.”
What entry-level roles offer this opportunity? The Associate Sales Representative (ASR) and the Clinical Specialist.
Role Spotlight: Associate Sales Representative (ASR)
Ideal for: Competitive self-starters with sales experience (or the mindset to match)
This role is your medical sales apprenticeship. As an ASR, you’ll work alongside a senior rep, support their territory, and learn the ropes - from supporting surgeries to building hospital relationships and managing inventory.
What companies want:
Sales experience (retail, B2B, or even door-to-door counts)
Athletics or military backgrounds
Strong communication and follow-through
Grit, hustle, and high coachability
Top companies hiring ASRs:
Karl Storz – Surgical visualization leaders with strong development programs
Medtronic – ASR programs across cardiovascular, spine, and more
Johnson & Johnson – DePuy Synthes and Ethicon offer best-in-class training
→ Explore ASR roles in The Lobby
Role Spotlight: Clinical Specialist
Ideal for: Science or healthcare grads who want OR exposure without a sales quota (yet)
As a Clinical Specialist, you’re the expert in the room - supporting surgeons, troubleshooting devices, and ensuring successful procedures. It’s the perfect position for someone coming from a clinical background (Physical Therapist, Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, etc) who wants to transition into medical sales.
What companies want:
Degrees in biology, nursing, kinesiology, or biomedical sciences
Experience in patient care, shadowing, or OR settings
Detail orientation and the ability to think on your feet
A passion for helping people and working under pressure
Top companies hiring Clinical Specialists:
Abbott – Heart rhythm, neuromodulation, and diabetes care
Penumbra – Innovations in neurovascular tech
Biosense Webster (J&J MedTech) – Cardiac ablation support in EP labs
→ Browse Clinical Specialist roles in The Lobby
How to Stand Out (Even If You're New Here)
You don’t need a stacked med device résumé to get your foot in the door - but you do need to show potential. Here’s how:
Highlight transferable skills (sales, customer service, coaching, clinical care, etc…)
Attend networking events (like those offered regularly through The Lobby) to meet reps and hiring managers face-to-face
Follow up with recruiters and hiring managers. Responsiveness matters - a lot.
Learn the lingo. Talk the talk. Know what a clinical role looks like. Understand what "covering a case" means.
“Med sales companies can teach reps a product. What they want is someone who shows up, follows up, and puts in the work.” - Lobby Founder, Kendy Elmore
Ready to Break In?
The Lobby is the #1 network for early career med sales reps.
Create your profile, attend upcoming events, and apply to hundreds of roles across surgical, biotech, diagnostics, and more - all in one place.
Get in the room. Get connected. Get hired.
