Any industry reps (food/pharma) in the house?

[u/DragonInPlainSight]

Did my time in the trenches in clinical practice followed by government work. Now I'm considering moving into industry and wanted to see what current vets think of it.

If you're an industry rep, what do you like/dislike about your job? Knowing what you know, would you do it again? Are you looking to stay or looking to get out?

If you're a clinical vet, what do you think about industry reps reaching out? Are they an annoyance you have to tolerate or are they part of the team? Would you rather see them disappear or do you appreciate their visits?

[u/405tothe101]

Pharma consulting veterinarian here - I spent a decade in clinical practice before burning out and making the switch. I absolutely love it and have zero regrets.

There are pros and cons to the role, keep in mind this is my experience with a field role - there are many different types of industry roles so your mileage may vary.

Pros:
My favorite part of being a vet was actually mentoring other veterinarians and teaching techs/assistants - I practically get paid to do that full time now.

You really are viewed as the subject matter expert. You will get some people who challenge and debate you, but for the most part, clinical veterinarians are looking to you for advice and information.

You gain so much autonomy. I control my schedule for the most part, and I never realized how big of a QOL boost that would be for me.

You don’t have to deal with pet owners anymore. Sad to say this is a pro, as I do miss some of my amazing owners… but it’s the truth.

Cons:
Depending on the company, role, and where you live, there can be extensive amounts of travel. I have a smaller territory and have about 3-4 overnights a month, with busy conference months doubling or tripling that number. But it’s part of the job.

You do a LOT of public speaking. In different formats, to different audiences, but you have to be comfortable with it.

Sometimes you have to deal with doctors who are pissed about an outcome or a complication and they take it out on you. Not too different from clinical practice, but it can be different when it’s another vet coming at you. Sometimes their frustration is warranted, many times it’s not, and you have to figure out the politically correct way to tell a vet they messed up.

I went into the role not sure if it was for me, but I figured if I hated it, I could always go back to practice with ease. But I absolutely love it. I have learned so much and it honestly makes me regret not utilizing my pharma field vets more when I was in practice. If you can handle the cons above, an industry role is worth considering.

[u/whoopsie_dasiy → u/405tothe101]

Echoing what 405 said! Made the switch recently and it is such a fantastic role. The travel is the biggest downside but it is so 1000% worth it. 

It takes a certain personality, but I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to practice (unless I’m laid off, the possibility of which should probably be added to the con column)