Kristen Baudin - Medical Sales College Testimonial
Stryker
Can you offer some information about your background?
I graduated from LSU with a degree in Kinesiology. During my time there, I was also a cheerleader and became captain my senior year. After graduating, I went into pharmaceutical sales and marketing after getting rejected by a medical device company for not having any sales experience. Once COVID hit, hiring freezes were very apparent so I applied to MSC to be proactive during this time.
What interested you about the medical sales field?
I wanted a career that would challenge me, not a typical 9-5, that is one of the most rewarding careers out there. Not only do you get to make a difference in bettering the quality of life for patients, but also rewarding in the sense that your hard work you put in everyday will be compensated and shown for in the result where the sky is the limit.
Where did you learn about the Med Sales Institute?
I reached out to a friend that attended MSC who had great things to say about her experience.
Why did you decide to attend the Med Sales Institute?
I wasn't passionate about my current career so when COVID hit that's what ultimately made me want to be proactive getting into the industry I was interested in. After speaking with a friend who attended MSC, I knew it would be the most valuable experience, especially during a pandemic.
What was the training experience like at the Med Sales Institute?
I had such a great experience at MSC. My instructors were thorough, real, experienced, and tough. They all had tenure in their industry that is beyond valuable and truly wanted to see their students succeed. Attending MSC made me feel more confident and knowledgable on the industry. This allowed me to bring that confidence into every interview to ultimately land a position with Stryker.
What aspect of your training most helped you find a job after graduation?
The importance of networking, having an overall understanding of how this industry works, what companies are looking for, how to get an interview and selling yourself through the whole process, and the technical knowledge to back it up.
How did placement services help accelerate your entry into the medical device sales industry?
During the beginning stages, they assisted in connecting me with other MSC graduates in the division I was applying for. My career coordinators were always on top of where I was at during the interview process, and would make sure to give me any insight and advice on ways to stand out.
What reasons would you give people to attend the Med Sales Institute?
You should attend MSC to become more marketable and to portray your commitment and interest in the industry. It puts you a few steps ahead of other candidates and can allow you to jump into things sooner, easier, and with more confidence.
Did you try to get into the industry before attending the Med Sales Institute?
About 3 months. I interviewed for a position and didn't get it over someone who had sales experience. I went on to get sales experience, but when COVID hit not many companies were hiring. MSC was the best option for me to be proactive getting into the industry and to gain more experience and knowledge that would put me in the best position to be successful during interviews.
Please briefly explain your job interview process with your hiring company.
My interview process took 3 months. I had 10 interviews total, ranging from a personality test, phone calls, Zoom calls, a case study presentation, Zoom panel interviews, and interview with the Area VP. The process is tough, long, and very competitive, but with the right mindset, determination, and grit, you can land the job of a lifetime.
