New to Medical Device Sales

Jacob McLaughlin
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New to Medical Device Sales

Looking to break into medical device sales? I share my experiences of breaking into the industry and what it’s like during the process and as a rep

  1. 4D AGO

    I Left a Comfortable 9–5 For Something More Meaningful

    Do you want to get into Medical Device Sales?? If so →  https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast He had zero sales or clinical experience, but in just 6 weeks, Jack Pirozzi went from unfulfilled in commercial real estate to landing a role at one of the biggest medical device companies in the country. He talks about how he made the leap, what mindset shifts made the biggest difference, and why purpose, not paychecks, is what drives lasting success. This episode is for the person that is unsure of what to do with themselves for a career, saw medical device sales, and thought they don't have the experience companies are looking for. Key Takeaways Be ready to move fast when opportunity knocks. Jack flew out for an interview 3 days after getting a call.If you're not fulfilled in your current job, don’t ignore it. That lack of purpose is telling you something.Believing in yourself comes before ability. If you don’t think you belong, no one else will either.Focus on what you do bring to the table. Not what you’re lacking.Don’t wait for things to be perfect. Start now, commit, and keep going even when results don’t show up immediately. 00:00 - Start 02:37 - Who Is Jack Pirozzi 06:40 - Choosing Medical Device Device Over Other Careers 10:01 - What Motivated The Switch Into Medical Device Sales 14:57 - Experience In The Interview Process 20:27 - Moving Anywhere In The US To Succeed 25:44 - Jack’s Advice To Newcomers To Medical Device Sales

    29 min

  2. JUN 27

    Why I Left the U.S. for Medical Device Sales in London

    Want To Learn How To Grow Your Territory?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast She broke into medical device sales, moved across the world, and now she’s navigating the UK healthcare system. Rachel Littleton shares what it’s like selling medical devices in London as an American, the steep learning curves she faced, and what no one tells you about the first year in the industry. This is for the person curious about what it takes to leap into a new career and a new country. Key Takeaways: Network with intention by reaching out to actual reps and hiring managers on LinkedIn, not just clicking apply.Expect to feel overwhelmed in your first year. It’s normal, and pushing through it is part of the process.Treat every person in the clinic like they matter, because they do. Secretaries and MAs can be your biggest allies.Focus on helping patients first; the money will follow when your purpose is in the right place.If you ever get a chance to work abroad, go for it. You’ll grow professionally and personally in ways you can’t imagine.00:00 - Start 02:24 - Who Is Rachel Littleton? 08:14 - Biggest Stressors In First 6 Months As A Rep 10:03 - Moving To The UK 17:24 - UK Healthcare vs US Healthcare 21:28 - How Different Is The Medical Sales Field In The UK vs US 26:33 - Being Passionate In What You Do 28:41 - Rachel’s Advice For Those Interested In Medical Device Sales 30:12 - Rachel’s Advice To New Reps

    35 min

  3. JUN 20

    Left Nursing at 25 for Medical Device Sales!

    Want To Learn How To Grow Your Territory?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast Jacob talks with Charles Studer, a former nurse who transitioned into medical device sales with one of the largest med device companies in the world. They discuss going from nursing to sales, overcoming fear of change, finding fulfillment outside of traditional healthcare roles, why nurses make great clinical specialists, relocating for career goals, choosing the right med device path based on personality, the difference between associate and clinical roles, and why you’re not throwing your degree away by changing directions. Key Takeaways: Your healthcare background isn’t wasted when you move into medical device sales. It’s actually what gives you an edge if you know how to use it.If you’re feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or like you were meant for more than clocking in and out, it’s okay to explore a different path.You don’t need to go back to school or rack up more debt to make a meaningful career change. You just need a strategy and support.The clinical specialist route is perfect for people who still want patient interaction but want more autonomy and variety in their day.Fear is normal when you make a career jump, but being uncomfortable is part of what makes you grow and hit new levels.Find a mentor, and surround yourself with people who get it. Don’t let coworkers or friends hold you back with their own fear or judgment.Success in this field isn’t just about credentials. It’s about doing the work, staying consistent, listening, and being coachable. 00:00 - Start 02:03 - Who Is Charles Studer 04:56 - What Motivated You To Make The Change To Medical Device Sales 10:51 - What Made You Not Want To Stay In The State You Were Hired For 13:45 - What Made Take The Leap To Actually Leave Nursing 17:43 - Choosing Clinical Specialist Instead Of Associate Sales Rep 21:25 - Advice To A Nurse Interested In Medical Device Sales

    25 min

  4. JUN 13

    5 Mistakes That Block Medical Device Sales Success

    Do you want to get into Medical Device Sales?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast Mindset Course: https://jacob-mclaughlin.mykajabi.com/offers/JbXC3NYf/checkout Mindset as the biggest success factor, overcoming negative self-talk, dealing with haters and rejection, fake timelines and unnecessary pressure, the reality of breaking into the industry, how to handle anxiety during the process, importance of internal language and beliefs, building resilience, defining what success actually looks like, raising your standards and your circle, creating a mindset worth $150k+, staying consistent even when it’s hard Key Takeaways: The way you talk to yourself matters way more than you think. If you’re constantly putting yourself down, you’re slowing yourself downYou’re going to get rejected or ignored, and sometimes people are just plain rude. Don’t take it personallyStop stressing over made-up deadlines; breaking in doesn’t have to happen in three weeks or elseIt’s supposed to be hard. Most people quit when it gets tough, so keep pushing and you’ll stand outYou don’t get paid $150K just for applying—you’ve got to show up like someone who’s worth that kind of moneyWho you hang around makes a huge difference. If your circle doesn’t want more, it’ll hold you back 00:00 - The #1 Indicator For Success In Medical Device Sales 01:09 - 1. Negative Self Talk 03:32 - 2. Haters 06:42 - 3. Planting Timelines 08:15 - 4. The Actual Reality 08:56 - 5. Accept The HARD 10:14 - Be Happy. Healthy. Wealthy

    14 min

  5. JUN 6

    Why Age Doesn’t Matter in Medical Sales

    Do you want to get into Medical Device Sales?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast Jacob interviews Shannon Holly, who transitioned into medical device sales at 48 years old after a 28-year career as a syndicated morning radio host. They discuss breaking into the industry later in life, the emotional process of career change, reinventing yourself with confidence, overcoming judgment and fear, training and adapting in your first six months, what it’s like working in the OR, the wide range of procedures she now supports, product knowledge vs. physical product handling, differences in medical device divisions, the value of mature professionals, and why fulfillment matters more than comfort. Key Takeaways: Reinventing yourself is possible at any age. It’s never too late to chase fulfillment over familiarity.A strong mindset will carry you further than a perfect resume. What matters is how committed and coachable you are.You don’t need to be the youngest candidate to succeed. Maturity, discipline, and emotional intelligence are huge assets in the OR and in conversations with physicians.Not all device roles involve trays or physical products. Some are focused entirely on training, presence, and being a trusted clinical expert.When you know your product and show up with confidence, you earn the trust of surgical teams. Even without years of experience.You won’t feel ready at the beginning, but taking the leap and trusting the process is the only way to find out how capable you really are chapters: 00:00 - Start 02:25 - My Successful Past In Radio Broadcasting 05:59 - Why Change Careers At 48 Years Old & 28 Years In My Profession 12:52 - First Six Months As A Rep 19:26 - Becoming Familiar With The Job 23:54 - A Day In Shannon’s Division 28:32 - A Bad Moment In Shannon’s Job 31:22 - Most Rewarding Day On The Job

    37 min

  6. MAY 30

    Why People FAIL to Break Into Medical Device Sales (How to Avoid It)

    Want To Learn How To Grow Your Territory?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast If you think just applying is enough, it isn’t. Everyone wants the six-figure med device job, but most people have no idea what it actually takes to get there. Learn the hard truths about breaking into the industry. Why most candidates fail, what top companies are really looking for, and how to become the kind of person they feel lucky to hire. Key Takeaways Understand that medical device sales isn’t like a regular job where you apply and get hired after a couple of interviews. You're going up against experienced professionals and even current reps who want a better gig.Make sure you show up like a professional. Being chill might work with your friends, but it won’t land you a six-figure job talking to surgeons and execs. No jeans and T-shirts at interviews. No “lit” or “dog” in conversations.Knowing someone in the industry might get you an intro or a first-round interview, but it won’t carry you through the whole process. You still have to earn it. Every company is different, and connections alone won’t cut it.You’ve got to level up your mindset. Don’t chase the six-figure job thinking money alone will solve everything. You need to become the kind of person who deserves that paycheck. Companies would feel lucky to hire you.Age doesn't matter as much as how prepared and professional you are. Maturity, attitude, and consistency are what win the job, not your resume alone. 00:00 - Start 01:12 - EXPECTATION #1 03:30 - EXPECTATION #2 05:15 - EXPECTATION #3 07:34 - EXPECTATION #4

    11 min

  7. MAY 23

    From Entry-Level to Regional Manager: The Med Device Growth Story You Need to Hear

    Do you want to get into Medical Device Sales?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast Jacob is joined again by Seth Colletti, who started in boat sales, broke into medical device sales after college, and became a regional sales manager in under five years. They talk about climbing from associate rep to manager, working for two of the largest med device companies, how to survive the first year of sales, training at big companies versus the grind of a startup, how to handle OR chaos, being seen as a true resource, personal connections to the product, and how to stay relevant in the industry. Key Takeaways: Be prepared to get overwhelmed your first year. it’s normal to feel like you're drinking from a firehose. Don’t panic, just stay consistent and give yourself time to settle in.Don’t rely only on company training. Go beyond, call top reps, build your own network inside and outside your team, and stay curious.Ask yourself daily if you're providing value. If not, leave the room or find a way to make yourself useful. staff and surgeons remember reps who make their jobs easier.Never lie. If you don’t know something, say so, and then find the answer. Trust is everything in this job.Top performers don’t just “work hard,” they work smart. Busy doesn’t equal productive. Spend your time doing things that actually drive revenue.If you’re not in it for the right reasons, you’ll burn out. Find a division or product you believe in. it makes the long hours worth it.Your success is your responsibility. If you want to grow, keep learning. Books, podcasts, conversations with mentors. and treat self-development like part of your job. 00:00 - Start 02:57 - Seth’s Career In Medical Device Sales 04:45 - First Year Experience 09:46 - The Expectations I Wanted To Achieve My First Year 12:56 - When Did Your Nerve Start To Calm Down During Your First Year 16:06 - What Traits Do You Think You Need To Stand From Other Reps 26:13 - Difference Between A Big Company vs A Startup 33:40 - Story About A Bad Day For Seth In The Field 38:48 - Moments That Make You Love Your Job 42:30 - Advice For Upcoming Reps

    46 min

  8. MAY 16

    What You ACTUALLY Need to Break Into Med Device Sales (Not What They Say)

    Do you want to get into Medical Device Sales?? If so → https://www.newtomedicaldevicesales.com/podcast Jacob interviews Patrick Furbay, a 22-year-old who broke into medical device sales while still in college. They discuss how Patrick secured two offers from top medical device companies, the importance of getting sales experience in college, overcoming age-related bias in hiring, being proactive and coachable in the job search, how to network with purpose, what not to do in cold outreach, how to stand out as a candidate without prior B2B experience, and why it's more about how you tell your story than your resume. Key Takeaways: Start getting experience early, even if it's not traditional B2B sales. Patrick sold cars during college and treated it like real sales training.If you're still in school or recently graduated, don’t wait to apply. Start learning how to sell yourself and prepare for interviews now.Avoid vague outreach like “Can I pick your brain?” Instead, show up prepared, have a plan for every call, and respect people's time.Interviewing is all about how you tell your story. You don’t need a decade of experience. You need to show grit, coachability, and professionalism.Be proactive. Companies notice candidates who show up with preparation, purpose, and energy, even if they’re young.Don’t get discouraged if you get mixed advice when networking. Learn to filter out what applies to your situation and stay respectful either way.Being “open to work” on LinkedIn doesn't help you stand out. Remove it and show you're a hunter, not a job seeker waiting for permission. 00:00 - Start 02:38 - Who Is Patrick Furbay 04:53 - What Did You Take From Your Sales Internship Into Med Device Sales 07:38 - What Attracted You To Medical Device Sales 08:56 - Something You Learned In The Program You Never Would’ve Known On Your Own 12:08 - Why Asking ‘Can I Pick Your Brain’ Is Terrible 13:34 - How Did You Attract Companies At Only 21 Years Old 16:00 - Advice To The Random Person Interested In Medical Device Sales 20:26 - How Good Was The Advice From Other Reps 24:48 - Patrick’s Closing Advice

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
281 Ratings

About

Looking to break into medical device sales? I share my experiences of breaking into the industry and what it’s like during the process and as a rep

Information

  • Creator
    Jacob McLaughlin
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jacob McLaughlin
  • Show Website
    New to Medical Device Sales

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