Her Story
About Vanessa
Vanessa Martinez is a pharmaceutical rep with 13 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sales industry. Based in Miami, Florida, she entered the field after graduating in 2010 during the recession, when internships repeatedly placed her in sales roles that suited her personality. Her mother, a longtime pharmaceutical rep, encouraged her to try the career, leading Martinez to thrive in the role and later move back home to raise her children while continuing to work. She attributes her success to her ability to hyper-focus on topics she enjoys and to build authentic personal relationships by asking clients about their families and lives, not just work matters. Martinez notes that the industry has shifted toward being female-dominated, with increasing opportunities for flexible hours under supportive management. She advises never giving up on a no and running one's business as if it were one's own. Outside of work, she volunteers as a class mom at her child's school, organizing decorations and holiday activities, and prioritizes family, compassion, empathy, authenticity, and integrity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What do you attribute your success to?
My personality really helps me. I hyper-focus on things and when I like something I talk about it non-stop. I build personal relationships by asking about families and lives, not just work. People enjoy when I come in.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Her best advice is never give up on a no. Run your business like if it's your own business. Because it's sales, nobody makes sales for you. You're gonna get a lot more no's than yes's. Don't give up on yourself, have a moment in the car and then go back out and keep on going.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Honestly don't give up. People in this career will bring you down. It's a very competitive industry. You have to believe in yourself because the only person that really is going to believe that you can do it is you. Ride the good days like they're the best days ever and let the bad days pass quickly. In sales you're always as good as your last number so a bad quarter doesn't define you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's becoming very female dominated now. Management for a long time was male dominated but now we're seeing the hierarchy becoming female-dominated. With the right boss that respects boundaries and respects that you have a life outside of work you get flexible hours.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is important. Compassion and empathy for customers while building relationships. Authenticity and integrity. I moved back home to have children and continue working because it's a great job while being a mom.
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