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Although I had always thought about a job in medical science, the idea of marketing only came after a holiday job with a roofing contractor! I was instantly attracted by the challenge of selling.

Looking around, I saw the pharmaceutical industry as the ideal arena in which to combine my two interests of medicine and marketing.

I joined a large international company with a breadth of opportunity and a commitment to high quality training. It was also a company that appeared to have a very human face, where people were important. The 'people' aspect of the company was never more evident than in my first few months. Like all new graduates who enter the industry I began with intensive product training before going out on the road......working on my own initiative, but very much part of a team.

On many early sales visits I was accompanied by either my regional sales manager or a field trainer. They provided valuable and practical advice, not least about how to deal with the frustrations as well as the success. Much of my time was spent visiting GP's. Sometimes a difficult task but one that taught me so much about both the tactics of selling and the needs of the medical profession. I had originally set out with the aim to progress quickly from representative to an office based marketing post. My ideas changed, however, as I became more involved in the process of selling. I was working with a great team and excellent products - I won the Top Rep award for 1992 and a promotion too. So I stayed a little longer, preparing myself for a future role with a marketing evening class and other training courses, all fully supported by my company.