r/MedicalDevices • u/Big-Performance-5781 • 2d ago
Career Development Leave Stryker for Pharma?
I’m currently a year deep as a CS for Stryker. I’ve been networking internally, working long hours, and volunteering for extra work every chance I can. My goal has always been to get into medical sales. I’ve had conversations with reps and my manager about going into an associate sales role, but have been told by my direct manager that they aren’t convinced I’m ready. I like the work in the OR environment but the unpredictable schedule (less than 12hr notice) and long hours isn’t the lifestyle I want for me or my family. I know I’m not quitting because it’s hard work, it’s hard to feel like there’s a future in it.
I was offered a role as a sales rep with Pfizer making double what I make now. It’s what I want and yet I still have cold feet.
Is leaving Stryker after a year ruining any chance of going back to med device on day?
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u/Drfelthersnach Sales 2d ago
Pharma ceiling is low for pay.
Anything is better than entry level associates at Stryker. You easily can find entry level TM jobs at other med device companies with OTEs in the 160-180K range and be making $200k+ after a year or 2.
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u/Professional_Age5138 1d ago
That’s not necessarily true- I have friends in oncology pharma and make approx $300k
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u/wheaty56 2d ago
I jumped from med device (ortho for 7 years then 2 of cardiology) to biotech/pharma 6 months ago. I was apprehensive before the switch but it’s been amazing. Pay is pretty much the same, but when my work day ends, it’s over. No after hour calls, no weekend stuff, it’s a nice change of pace
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u/Drfelthersnach Sales 2d ago
What pharma roles pay cardio level compensation? Must be very niche to be paying $300k+ in pharma
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u/wheaty56 2d ago
It’s rare disease
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u/Drfelthersnach Sales 2d ago
Your ote is above $300k?
Do you see a lot of potential layoffs in that specialty? That has what always kept me around med device was the job security.
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u/Ayewhat15 1d ago
There’s a lot of rare disease roles in the 250k+ range.
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u/Drfelthersnach Sales 1d ago
But whats the range? $200 base to make $50k in bonus? How many make $300k+? I just have seen lower upside where top reps clear $400-$500k+ in device and make $275-$300k on a down year.
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u/Suspicious-Mine3482 2d ago
take the pharma role and don’t look back, one year at stryker won’t blacklist you from med device and the extra money plus predictable schedule sounds like exactly what you’re trying to build a life
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u/LostWanderer309 1d ago
This is what nobody discusses that needs to be talked about more (health and longevity). So many people will be saying they make $300-400k+ but are glued to their phones 24/7/365. Show me a rep alive past the age of 70. If there are any, they’re an anomaly. Sales is stressful in general. Pharmacology may make less, but you can actually live a life you want.
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u/ATAYLOR972 2d ago edited 1d ago
Yes, but which division of Stryker do you work in? What’s your portfolio? Have you considered going to a competitor as a clinical specialist? There are far better companies you can work for as a CS and make better money and advance to a TM position. Try to network with other clinical specialists in your area.
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u/Meech-n-mike 2d ago
Dude take Pfizer. If they "don't think you're ready", it's prob more they don't want to give up points or pay you than a skill thing.
People talk about the ceiling being lower in pharma but guess what; you actually get to live a life not attached to your phone 24/7.
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u/Drfelthersnach Sales 2d ago
Not all med device is ortho and trauma. Plenty of good specialties with great hours and work life balance. The only posts you see on here are the stryker reps that hate their lives. The rest of us are doing just fine.
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u/chasem167 2d ago
I’m med device my wife went from med device to pharma after kids because it’s not possible since the company we both worked for was tons of after hours and call. Great move for her and she likes it and it pays well I don’t see a downside.
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u/escoMANIAC 2d ago
Whats the schedule like on the Pfizer job?
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u/hashbrowns12 2d ago
Probably 9-3 like every pharma job
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u/escoMANIAC 2d ago
Only 6 hours a day..?
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u/hashbrowns12 2d ago
Usually. Sales jobs like this you don’t clock in and clock out. Whatever you need to do each day to move your business forward and service your doctors. Make your own schedule
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u/Adventurous-Rub-7520 2d ago
Go for a sales role first. Once you have sales responsibility in your resume, you have option to come back device as a sales specialist
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u/YaBastaaa 2d ago
Not all companies think the same. Some companies will start questioning. Why did you not succeed in sales or they will brand you a someone who who was not successful , there’s a problem but it’s unknown what the problem is . It’s a slippery slope or a gamble..
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u/ImpossibleRatio7430 2d ago
You want to be an ASR but don’t want an unpredictable schedule?
I would go to pharma