Tolu Agarawu

My Graduate Story

I work as an Account Manager for a leading medical technology company that specializes in gold-standard pulse oximetry and advanced cardiac monitoring solutions. Our innovations play a critical role in improving clinical outcomes and setting the benchmark for patient monitoring in hospitals worldwide.

In my role, I serve as a strategic partner to both clinical stakeholders and C-suite executives across a broad hospital territory. I collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to implement our technologies in ways that enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and contribute to revenue growth.

Operating in a fully remote capacity, I manage a diverse portfolio of hospital accounts, providing tailored solutions and insights that help institutions meet their clinical and financial goals. It's a dynamic and rewarding role that combines relationship-building, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to better healthcare outcomes.

A Day in My Life

No two days in my role are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about it. On any given day, I might be onsite at hospitals conducting product evaluations, leading demonstrations, or providing hands-on training for clinical staff. Other times, I'm working remotely, handling administrative tasks, preparing for upcoming meetings, or analysing customer data to identify growth opportunities.

A big part of my role also involves staying current on clinical research and industry trends. I frequently read peer-reviewed studies to deepen my understanding of the challenges clinicians face and to add credibility when discussing our solutions in the field.

Ultimately, a typical day is a mix of proactive planning and reactive problem-solving. Whether it's troubleshooting an urgent issue, responding to evolving customer needs, or adapting to unexpected changes in schedule, flexibility is key and 'putting out fires' often comes with the territory.

My Journey to Masimo Europe

My journey to landing a job after graduating from Birmingham was relatively smooth, especially compared to some of the stories I've heard. I started by networking through LinkedIn, which led me to connect with a couple of recruiters. The first one unfortunately disappeared after our initial conversation but the second one turned out to be a great contact. They put me forward for a role at Dräger Medical Ltd., a well-respected name in the med tech industry.

After a single interview, I was offered the position of Internal Account Manager. It was a great entry point into the industry and gave me the opportunity to build strong foundational knowledge while working with a reputable, global company.

My Birmingham Experience

Studying at the University of Birmingham, particularly in such a strong research-driven environment, gave me a solid foundation that has translated incredibly well into the professional world especially in a role that sits at the intersection of healthcare and business. The course helped me develop critical thinking skills, the ability to analyse data, and the confidence to engage with complex clinical material all of which are essential in the med tech industry.

Having a clinical background has given me a real edge over sales professionals from non-clinical fields. It brings a level of credibility when speaking with clinicians, and allows me to understand their challenges on a deeper level. Personally, I believe that sales techniques can be taught, but clinical fluency takes time and education to build. The ability to read and interpret research papers not only boosts my confidence but also reinforces my belief in the value of the products I represent. It's been a game-changer in how I approach conversations and build trust with healthcare professionals.

Birmingham's Impact

The University's support services, particularly the Careers Network, played a meaningful role in helping me prepare for my career. One of the most impactful moments was attending a networking event where I met a medical sales representative. I took the opportunity to ask him a lot of questions about the industry, added him on LinkedIn, and have stayed in touch ever since. He's now someone I consider a mentor and a valuable source of guidance.

In addition, the Careers Network helped me refine and strengthen my CV, which made a real difference when applying for roles. Their feedback helped me present my experience and skills more effectively, which I believe contributed to making a strong impression during the recruitment process.

I also was a part of the Access 2 Birmingham scheme, and received the Chamberlain Award.

Top tips for students

Network early, and don't let society tell you what you can and can't be.

The best thing about studying Biomedical Science

The practical elements. I loved being in the lab and partaking in research. The sports facilities were great too.

My Achievements

Graduating. I'm the first graduate in my immediate family which helped to inspire all of my siblings. I wanted to drop out in my 2nd year but persevered regardless.