Case studies: Marketing manager: Louise

Major skills required for Louise's present role include the ability to research the product market and the ability to build up comprehensive product knowledge...

Louise studied business and law at A-level, took an HND in Business and Finance and followed that up with a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. 

During her studies, Louise developed an interest in aspects of marketing, and this interest fuelled her decision to move into sales. She responded to an advert for a position in her local paper and was successful in gaining employment as a medical sales representative.

Louise feels that her relevant academic background, and especially her marketing experience and excellent communication skills, helped her application be successful. She recommends showing enthusiasm in order to stand out from the crowd. Also, prior to application, individuals should research the company and product areas as much as possible and gain background knowledge of the medical area being applied for.

Communication skills, she feels, are key to the role and are essential for selling, negotiating and presenting information to healthcare professionals, pharmacists, Primary Care Trust employees and suppliers.

Since gaining employment, Louise feels she has been constantly learning whether that is through ongoing product updates, courses to improve selling and negotiation skills, or IT updates. She has been given the opportunity to progress within the company from medical sales representative to marketing manager.

Louise enjoys the variety of her role and the ability to interact with so many people from so many varied areas of the healthcare profession.