Are you a nurse or healthcare professional feeling burned out, underpaid, and stuck in a cycle of bureaucracy?
Today, I reveal the 3-3-3 Framework: a blueprint specifically designed for bedside nurses who want to break into the high-paying world of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Sales.
If you are tired of missing holidays and hitting a salary ceiling, this episode explains exactly what you actually need to do to land offers like our student Sydney, who went from $68k to a $138k package.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
The 3 Reasons to Leave: Why burnout and lack of creativity are signs it's time to pivot.
The 3 Barriers: Why relying on your degree and "following orders" kills your chances in sales interviews.
The 3 Solutions: How to leverage your clinical edge and tap into the 10,000+ open roles in biotech right now.
READY TO LAND YOUR DREAM JOB? Apply to Medical Sales University and learn how we help nurses double their income in 12 weeks: medicalsalesu.com/
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro: The shift from Bedside to Sales
01:38 - The 3 Reasons healthcare workers are leaving (Burnout & Bureaucracy)
03:13 - Why your career growth has stalled
04:10 - The 3 Barriers: Why you aren't getting hired yet
05:00 - The "Middle Class Mindset" trap (Degree vs. Skills)
06:12 - Mindset Shift: From Compliance to Ownership
09:18 - The 3 Solutions: How to finally break in
10:52 - Success Story: How Sydney landed a $138k Oncology role
12:50 - Why mentorship beats doing it alone
ABOUT THE HOST: Dave Sterrett is the founder of Medical Sales University, the #1 program helping nurses, PTs, and healthcare professionals break into pharmaceutical and oncology sales.

ABOUT MEDICAL SALES U: Medical Sales U is the premier training program for professionals looking to break into high-paying careers in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Genetic Testing sales. We turn "outsiders" into top 1% candidates.

CONNECT WITH US:
Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/

#MedicalSales #NursingCareer #PharmaSales #NurseBurnout #CareerChange #MedicalDeviceSales #HighPayingJobs #Nurselife

Are you trying to break into medical sales but stuck deciding between Pharmaceutical and Medical Device? Or maybe you're curious about the high-growth world of Diagnostics and Genomics?
Today, we discuss the differences in pay, lifestyle, and entry-level requirements for each path. Whether you want the adrenaline of the Operating Room or the stability of a $130k+ base salary in Pharma, this episode covers the 12 key distinctions you need to know before applying.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:
The Personality Test: Why "Engineers" love Device and "Scientists" love Pharma.
The Paycheck: Real breakdown of base salaries vs. uncapped commissions.
The Hidden Third Option: Why Oncology Diagnostics/Genomics might be the "Goldilocks" career path.
Work-Life Balance: The reality of on-call surgical hours vs. the 9-to-5 pharma life.
Success Stories: How a nurse (Sydney) and an immigrant (Kanika) broke in with $150k-$200k packages.

READY TO BREAK IN? If you are struggling to get offers or don't know where to start, we help people from all backgrounds (nurses, coaches, teachers) launch their medical sales careers.
Apply to Medical Sales U at medicalsalesu.com/

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro: The common dilemma (O.R. vs. Samples).
01:06 - The 3 Paths: Pharma, Device, and Diagnostics.
02:15 - Science vs. Engineering: Which fits your brain?
04:35 - Salary Reveal: Entry-level Pharma Pay ($95k-$135k base).
06:10 - The "Associate" Role: Why Device base pay starts lower.
07:40 - The Top 1%: Earning potential ($300k - $750k).
09:15 - Diagnostics Pay: The sweet spot?
10:30 - The Sales Process: Who are you actually selling to?
13:50 - Lifestyle Check: Early mornings vs. Family flexibility.
17:15 - Career Advancement: From Rep to Regional Director.
22:15 - Student Success: From $68k to $200k total comp.
ABOUT MEDICAL SALES U: Medical Sales U is the premier training program for professionals looking to break into high-paying careers in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Genetic Testing sales. We turn "outsiders" into top 1% candidates.

CONNECT WITH US:
Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/

#MedicalSales #PharmaceuticalSales #MedDevice #SalesCareer #DaveSterritt #CareerAdvice #HighPayingJobs #SalesTips

If you are making it to the panel interview but still getting those automated "Thanks but no thanks" emails, you are likely making one of these 3 fatal mistakes.
In this episode, we reveal why high-achievers like nurses, D1 athletes, and experienced VPs fail to break into Pharma and Medical Device sales.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
- The "Immature Enthusiasm" Trap: Why being a "go-getter" isn't enough and the specific clinical research you MUST do before the first phone call.
- The LinkedIn Strategy: Stop using LinkedIn like a digital resume. Learn the "20-Person Rule" and how to message hiring managers without being annoying.
- The "Guard Down" Mistake: Why you are failing the field ride and peer interviews (and why you should never relax around potential colleagues).
CHAPTERS (Jump to the section you need):
0:00 - Intro: Why talented people get rejected
01:50 - Mistake #1: You Didn’t Do the Research (FDA, Clinical Trials, Competitors)
04:44 - Immature Enthusiasm vs. Professional Readiness
05:12 - Mistake #2: You Are Using LinkedIn Wrong (Stop asking to "Pick their brain")
06:35 - The "20-Person" LinkedIn Strategy
12:33 - Mistake #3: You Are Not Networking Correctly (The "Invisible" Applicant)
13:43 - Warning: The "Guard Down" Trap with Peer Reps
ABOUT MEDICAL SALES U: Medical Sales U is the premier training program for professionals looking to break into high-paying careers in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Genetic Testing sales. We turn "outsiders" into top 1% candidates.
CONNECT WITH US:
Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/
#MedicalSales #PharmaceuticalSales #CareerAdvice #SalesInterview #MedicalSalesU #JobSearchTips #LinkedInStrategy

Ready to stop wishing for a bigger role and actually build a massive career? In this episode, I sit down with Brent Lavin (BD Strategic Growth), the leader who took a personal medical scare and turned it into a 20+ product launch dynasty.
Forget the generic advice. Brent gives us the raw truth on how he moved from a comfortable engineering role to orchestrating global M&A and strategic growth. He breaks down the one non-negotiable trait he looks for in hires and reveals the counterintuitive moves (like taking a pay cut for an MBA) that jump-started his success.
Most people wait for the perfect invitation; Brent made his own seat at the table by being “humble, hungry, and smart.” You’ll learn how to stop waiting for permission and start scaling your own leadership, whether you're fresh out of college or ready for a major mid-career reinvention.
Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/
Brent Lavin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brent-lavin/

Ready to stop wishing for a bigger role and actually build a massive career? In this episode, I sit down with Brent Lavin (BD Strategic Growth), the leader who took a personal medical scare and turned it into a 20+ product launch dynasty.
Forget the generic advice. Brent gives us the raw truth on how he moved from a comfortable engineering role to orchestrating global M&A and strategic growth. He breaks down the one non-negotiable trait he looks for in hires and reveals the counterintuitive moves (like taking a pay cut for an MBA) that jump-started his success.
Most people wait for the perfect invitation; Brent made his own seat at the table by being “humble, hungry, and smart.” You’ll learn how to stop waiting for permission and start scaling your own leadership, whether you're fresh out of college or ready for a major mid-career reinvention.
Learn more about coaching and career support at medicalsalesu.com/
Brent Lavin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brent-lavin/

Beyond the MD: Why a Johns Hopkins MBA Chose Medical Sales U (ft. Dr. Kevin Maggisano)
What does it take to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and business execution? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Maggisano, a professional who embodies the intersection of high-level medical vision and elite business strategy.
Despite earning his MD from Western University and completing an MBA from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Maggisano believes that real leadership requires more than just degrees. It requires business clarity and strategic communication. That is exactly why he chose to enroll in Medical Sales U.
In this episode, we cover:
The Power of Continuous Growth: Why Dr. Maggisano believes leaders at every level, even those with MDs and MBAs, can still sharpen their business strategy and grow.
Strategic Communication: How to move beyond clinical knowledge to master the art of communicating value and driving measurable results.
Validating the Process: How Dr. Maggisano’s experience reinforces the credibility and direction of Medical Sales U, proving that our focus on leadership and results works for top-tier professionals.
Building a Career: Insights on how to build a rewarding career inside the medical sales world by combining medical authority with sales acumen.
Dr. Maggisano’s story is a powerful reminder that future leaders can trust the process. His voice amplifies our mission to help professionals identify their strengths and succeed in the competitive world of medical sales.
About Dr. Kevin Maggisano: Dr. Maggisano combines deep medical insight with rigorous business training. He holds an MD from Western University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He joined Medical Sales U to further strengthen his leadership skills and refine his approach to business strategy.
Learn more about coaching and career support at https://medicalsalesu.com/

Do you have a medical sales interview coming up?
Pharma, medical device, diagnostics, or biotech… this video will help you stand out and win the offer. This industry is highly competitive, and the candidates who succeed do more than answer questions. They own the interview.
What you will learn in this episode:
- How to make a powerful first impression with “Tell me about yourself”
- How to walk through your resume like a top performer
- How to connect your background to the company’s mission, product, and impact on patients
- How to communicate what makes you unique without clichés
- How to discuss strengths and weaknesses with strategy and confidence
- How to show cultural fit and real motivation
- How to navigate the salary question without losing momentum
- How to close strong and leave a memorable impression
Everything I teach comes from real hiring experience in medical sales, including pharma and oncology. After this video, you will know exactly how to prepare with purpose, communicate like a professional, and outperform people who may have more experience on paper.
If you are serious about getting into or advancing in medical sales, you are in the right place.
Subscribe to get coaching, tools, and real interview strategies that help you win the offer.
Preparation creates confidence. Confidence wins offers.
Learn more about coaching and career support at https://medicalsalesu.com/

Struggling to answer “Tell me about yourself?” in interviews?
You’re not alone. Even the most talented candidates often freeze, ramble, or read their resume. In this episode, you’ll learn a proven framework to introduce yourself confidently and make hiring managers remember YOU.
What you’ll learn in this video:
• The #1 mistake candidates make when answering this question
• The PSPT™ framework: Personal – Successful – Professional – Transferable
• How to share your story with purpose (without oversharing)
• Real examples for nurses, pharmacists, teachers, and IT/sales professionals
• Tips to speak with confidence, posture, and presence
• How to stay under 3 minutes, and still stand out
Whether you're breaking into medical sales, interviewing for a leadership role, or simply growing your career, this strategy works.
By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to own your story and deliver it naturally in any interview.
If this helped you, hit LIKE and FOLLOW for more career and interview coaching.
Turn on notifications so you don’t miss new episodes!
Want 1:1 coaching or to join our community?
Visit: Medical Sales U — We help you break into the industry with confidence.
Drop a comment:
What’s one achievement you’ll include in your “Tell me about yourself” answer?
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why “Tell Me About Yourself” is so hard
00:30 Personal — Make it human
02:48 Successful — Show the numbers
06:20 Professional — Tell your growth story
10:57 Transferable — Connect to the job
13:53 Avoid these common mistakes
15:41 Full PSPT™ recap + next steps

In this episode, Kevin Kelleher (Director of Medical Affairs at Medtronic & founder of the Rural Health Technology Consortium) shares his journey from nurse to sales leader, and why passion, and not just money, must drive your career.

Kevin’s story really stuck with me. He went from nursing into sales, but what makes his perspective different is how he ties everything back to passion and purpose. He also opens up about what it’s like serving rural communities, the push for more diversity in clinical research, and even how he balances leadership with family life. Honestly, it’s one of those conversations that leaves you rethinking your life.

From breaking into medical sales, building trust in rural healthcare, and tackling diversity in clinical research, to leadership, productivity, and family balance... Kevin brings powerful lessons you can apply today.

From pharmacist to Eli Lilly sales rep in just 5 weeks.

In this episode, Francesco Russo shares how he went from burnout in retail pharmacy to landing a high-paying role in pharmaceutical sales thanks to strategy, networking, and a customized plan. His story proves that even highly educated professionals need more than degrees to stand out.
Do you want to break into pharma or medical sales? Learn the strategies Francesco used inside this episode.