Entry-level positions for aspiring Senior Territory Managers
Nicole's career progression highlights the value of entry-level marketing coordinator roles in medical device companies as a pathway to sales, emphasizing proactive networking ("being very vocal with what you want") and seeking opportunities like associate sales representative positions to gain experience and demonstrate commitment for promotion to territory manager roles. The interview also suggests business-to-business sales experience as an alternative entry point into the medical device industry.
Networking, Sales, Marketing, Medical Device Industry, Entry-Level Positions
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
nicole gutierrez
senior territory manager
irhythm technologies
University of Arizona
n/a
Political Science, American Studies
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Consider marketing coordinator roles in medical device or healthcare companies as an entry point.
2. Seek out associate sales representative positions to gain experience and demonstrate capabilities.
3. Network actively using LinkedIn and industry events to increase visibility and learn from professionals in the field.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The route I took was, after college, applying for marketing coordinator roles within medical device or healthcare companies. This was to get my foot in the door and work my way through the organization. I was vocal about wanting to get into sales.
I asked if I could shadow cases and take any extra opportunities to do field events, shadow, and learn. I also asked doctors who were open to teaching if I could shadow a case, with my manager's approval, just to learn.
I took the marketing coordinator route. From there, an associate sales rep opening became available. You'll often see these associate positions, which are great for getting your foot in the door of a sales organization.
As an associate rep, I supported five territory managers across California. I had KPIs to hit, which were monthly goals like attending a certain number of cases, sending a certain number of emails, or setting up a certain number of lunches.
After hitting those goals, and being vocal about wanting to be promoted into a territory manager job, I volunteered and met people at sales meetings. I did end up getting a promotion and moved to Seattle for a territory manager opening.
When I attended sales meetings as an associate, I would meet with other regional managers so they knew I was interested in moving and wanted a promotion. It's also about doing a really good job in your associate role.
I know others, like my sister, who worked in business-to-business sales for about five years. Anything where you're selling a product to other businesses can be a good way to get your foot in the door in the medical device industry.
It can be a hard industry to break into. That's why I always suggest LinkedIn networking. Anyone you meet within the industry, ask if you can connect on LinkedIn, get their contact, and stay in touch.
Be vocal about what you want to do and what you see for your future. If they're willing to teach, ask if you can attend an event. There are different network groups, like MedTech Women here in the Bay Area, where I attend events.
This helps to have face time with executives who are women in the industry. Anything that gets your name out there and provides exposure is helpful. I recommend the associate route or doing B2B sales for a couple of years to get a feel for sales.
Advizer Personal Links
Linkedin is fine!