Jonathan Johnson

I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. I graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, with an English degree in Technical Communications. While attending college, I worked as a Nursing Attendant in the Operating Room at the University of Tennessee Hospital. Upon graduation, I enrolled and moved to Chicago for Medical Sales College. I lived in Chicago from March 20- May 6th attending the Orthopedic Reconstruction & Trauma course.

I originally was pre-med in college. I grew up playing sports, and have always been extremely competitive. Through reps I knew from working, I was encouraged to look into the field. I loved being in the operating room environment, and was looking for a way to make a career out of it. The idea of being successful is obviously appealing. But in sales, the more commitment shown, the harder you work, can translate into your own success. Not so like working with a base salary. The opportunity to stay in operating rooms, and to find success through how hard I chose to work, was the most appealing.

I discovered it from reps that I worked alongside with as a Nursing Attendant in the OR. I was supported by many of them, who thought I could have a bright future. A few people, after seeing I wasn?t having any luck, encouraged me to look it up. I looked it up on a Friday, I applied the following Monday. I received an acceptance call on March 14, and moved to Chicago on March 20th.

The high acceptance rate advertised. I knew I had personally what it took to land a medical device type of job, I just needed some assistance.

I honestly thought it would be easy. I took all of the Biology, Anatomy, and chemistry classes in undergrad. I had worked in an OR for 5 years, and thought I could be ahead of the curve. That was not the case. I would get out of class at 5, and then study from 6-11 every single night. It was a grind, but the instructors were phenomenal. My classmates were amazing, and I built life-long relationships with many of them.

During the course I luckily presented on 3 different Zimmer Biomet orthopedic products. Being able to present to my interviewers that I already had knowledge of their products, I believe was extremely beneficial.

Because even if you think your smart enough, or have the resume built to secure a job, most likely the medical companies will find flaws. MSC not only puts a tremendous stamp on your resume, but the knowledge you are taught is invaluable. Also securing a recruiter is huge. Lane Bennett was my recruiter, and him and I grinded through this whole process. He helped me so much from being prepared for all of my interviews, to checking my business plans probably 10 different times. Having him in my pocket was huge. After every single interview I had I would get to my car and call my parents to update them. Then Lane was the next person I called, every single time.

I thought my work experience was going to be enough to get into the field. I graduated with my bachelors degree and had 5 years of OR experience. That was not the case. I began applying for medical device sales jobs in October of 2017. I had zero luck, no interviews. I then attended and graduated from MSC in May of 2018. I immediately had interviews upon moving back home. But it was not as easy as I thought it would be. I had to show a lot of patience, and really grind for the last 5 months. I did manual labor type of jobs all summer, just to support myself, so that I could continue to pursue this type of job. It was not easy, and was extremely frustrating at times.

Frustrating. Everything in this industry takes time. Nothing is easy, or given away. I would have a phone screening, then two weeks later a meeting in person. Three times I got to the third round of interviews, just to be turned down due to lack of sales experience. I realized after a few months that I had to make myself more appealing, that my resume still was not enough. I then went into every interview with sky high confidence, and simply told every person I could that no one wanted this job more than I did.

I was nervous to move 8 hours away from anyone I knew. Chicago is much larger than Knoxville, and that made me nervous. I also knew financially, it was a risk, and large commitment. But I was extremely dedicated to securing a job, so I jumped all in.

I should have known, but I thought graduating with such a high grade would secure me a job very quickly. I was drawn into MSC by the high placement ratings. I honestly thought after graduating that I would move home and find my dream job in a month. This field is such a challenge to break into. It took me 4 months, but I finally secured my dream job.

The knowledge, and presentations required have given me the confidence that I can learn all of my company?s products. MSC forces you to learn a lot, and fast. And that will be the same expectations with my team now that I am hired. MSC forced me to grow up on my own. I moved 8 hours away from my friends and family, and had to grind to graduate with a good grade. It?s not easy, but I finished with a 96 in the course. I?m proud of that, and I told that to every person I interviewed with.