Hi,I have been a pharma sales rep for seven years and graduated 10 years ago with a BA in Management 2:1 from Hull University. I did my degree as a mature student and I am now 40. Pharma sales was ideal for me up to this point because I am a single parent and offered flexibility. My child is now 18 and has left home. I now have the freedom to move around and would really like to get into management consulting.My question is what are my chances?

Nicky,A number of firms could be interested in your skill-set. IMS Health (Marylebone) create and use a lot of data around drug sales, competitive positioning and pricing + reimbursement, so someone who has been at the sharp-end such as yourself could add some value there.ZS Associates also do a lot of work in the field of sales-force optimisation, so again this may be of use.All the big-4 accounting firms also have groups involved in sales force compliance and ensuring that firms stick to, and can prove, compliance with ABPI etc., rulings.My suggestion would be to give some thought to what aspect of pharma consulting you want to get involved in; tailored of course to your experience - and then come back to this board or get in touch with some recruiters who work in the space. Top-Consultant has a report listing recruiters by industry-sector etc. Tony/TC could you post the link?

Thank you very much for your advice, I really appreciate it. I will look into your suggestion right away. I'll post what happens. x

Hello again Pharma Consultant,I wanted to ask if you would mind allowing me to pick your brains further maybe by phone or email?Sorry about the x by the way, not very professional! Force of habit coming from typing to lots of friends etc. I looked at it and was really embarrassed, it looks as though I thought I was on facebook.Kind regards,Nicky.

Nicky, do you have a hotmail/yahoo-type e-mail address that you would be happy to give out in here; I'm afraid I don't at this time. I'm pretty snowed at the moment but will then respond to you on that address when I have five minutes.And no worries about the x, it made a charming change to the bile that is poured forth by some on here!

This is brilliant, PC, I reckon you're well in there... ;) ....Forum flirting - hilarious! My favorite line was "...made a charming change..." I'm not even being sarcastic, there's love in the air in this post. x

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Thank you for your reply, I do have a hotmail account the address is nickyroxx@hotmail.com. We seem to have caused a slight stir. I think that it is nice to have caused some pleasant speculation on here, there does seem to be an awful lot of negativity around. I became interested in the role from reading about the industry on the net and from the IBC careers guide. Some of the discussions on here lead me to believe that it is not as described. What do you or anyone think about this? Or is it that most industries have cynics and they are usually the ones that are the most vocal!

HiI was just reading the threads and as I have a similar backgroud to Nicky would like some advice. I have worked in medical sales for 3 years and prior to that recruitment for 5 years. I got a 2:2 in business studies at night school from Huddersfield University. What would my chances be of getting into Management Consulting. I know 2:1s are favoured more than a 2:2. Should I do an MBA. Should this be part time or full time. I would be very grateful for your help. Thanks Julie.