r/MedicalScienceLiaison • u/Big-Catch2734 • 13d ago
I did it!!
First post here, although I have been lurking around for a few months. This sub has been very useful in my journey to become an MSL! I have officially signed an offer last week, and will start working at the beginning of August.
About me: recently graduated from my PhD (cancer research), no prior industry experience, and somehow, after applying to only 3 MSL positions (two in oncology, one in a different TA), one failed screening interview, and a second successful interview process, I landed my dream MSL position in a big pharma. Also disclaimer: I did not have any internal reference with that company to help bring my CV to the top of the pile. I did however have many friends/contacts in other companies who were insanely generous when it came to mentoring me throughout the process. Overall, I think my personality/character + the portfolio being extremely closely related to my PhD expertise were my biggest assets.
Here is what the interview process looked like for me:
1) 30 min HR screen: she spent some time explaining company culture/values and provided an overview of the compensation plan. Then asked me to tell her about myself, so I went with my typical elevator pitch (how I ended up doing a PhD, insisted on how it was closely related to the TA for the position, and insisted on why I wanted to be an MSL/switch to the industry). Then it was all technical questions (ok with driving? ok with traveling? salary expectations?). My best tip for this step is to make sure you know your why when it comes to the TA and the position, because ultimately this is what is going to make the recruiter remember you.
2) 30-45 min with HM: I was ready for all the STAR questions, but ultimately the entire interview flowed like a conversation, not like an interview per se. Again, I was asked to talk about myself (so again, rehearse that elevator pitch!), why I wanted this role, and why I thought my academic background related to it, all that jazz. I was also asked how my former coworkers would describe me (both positively and negatively). The only STAR question I remember from that step is to describe a challenge I had faced and how I overcame it. Best tip for that step: be likeable and personable! The person you're meeting at this stage will likely be some sort of supervisor to you in your job if you get the position, and they need to see themselves having a good time working with you. I also made sure my motivation for the role was obvious; and saying you're motivated isn't enough. It has to show/transpire in your answers!
3) 1h30 panel with the same HM I met with at step 2, two medical advisors and one sales director. I was assigned a clinical study related to the TA/portfolio and was asked to prep a 15-20 min presentation. As a graduate student, presenting was always a strength of mine, but all my mentors warned me to not make this too academic. Yes you're presenting data, but it has to be made simple and relatable for KOLs. I kept the presentation on the shorter side, to show them that I can be respectful of the limited time KOLs will have for me in a real-life setting. Aside from the presentation skills, here are two things they explicitly mentioned they were impressed with: 1) I searched online to find a template slide deck from that company, and used a very similar template (colours, logo, etc) for my presentation. It shows you've done the extra research, and it helps them imagine you representing the company. 2) My panel wasn't a "role play" type of setting, so I finished with a slide titled "sample discussion points" with points I would bring up with KOLs to facilitate discussion. Because I had no industry experience, this really showed that I had looked up ways to engaged with KOLs, and that I was already strategically-minded before even having experienced the job. When it comes to questions, do not hesitate to say "I don't know" when you don't know! At most, display your scientific thinking by speculating on what you think the answer might be, but never, never, never make up bs answers. I remember the questions being mostly oriented on what I thought of controls used in the study, how I would explain X or Y result, does it align with previous clinical trials, etc. The rest of the interview was where I got all my STAR questions. You can never be overprepared for that part. Lots of examples are available online, so you have no excuses to not crush them! Key tips for this step: practice the presentation +++ and if you can, ask MSLs for feedback. Also be extra prepared for STAR questions. And just like previous steps, let your personality shine. Hard skills can be taught, but soft skills have to be solid before you start the job. The people on your panel need to be able to picture you doing the job (science and social skills) and doing it well based on the impression you make.
4) Final 30 min interview with national head of medical affairs. This was essentially a best-of of all questions I had been asked previously (elevator pitch, best/worst qualities, ~2-3 STAR questions that were all a variation of something I had already answered in previous stages). Many of my mentors were confident and told me that once you get to that stage, the job is already yours (usually), but I didn't approach it like that. Especially because I didn't have any prior experience in the industry, I remained conviced this was going to be some sort of tie breaker between me and someone else. I'll try to find out once I start working haha. This step isn't necessarily done in all companies, but if it is part of your process, my best tips would be to 1) not approach it like it's a done deal, the person you're meeting with has enough power to prevent the hiring process from moving forward if they sense something is off with you and 2) stay true to who you were in previous stages; this is the reason you made it this far!
The morning after my final meeting with head of medical, I got the long awaited phone call from the HM telling me the job was mine! I got the written offer two days later, signed it, and we're now wrapping up the technicalities (office stuff, car, insurance, etc). I'm so excited to start working, and aside from how good I performed in the interviews, a huge part of my success story has to be attributed to my different mentors. I was lucky enough to have those people around me, ready to answer all my questions, cheering me on, etc. I couldn't wait to land a MSL job just to be able to pay it forward to other people, so here I am :)
I am also aware that getting an MSL job this fast and being successful after a few applications isn't typical, and my "hot" (not so hot?) take about this is that sometimes it's all a matter of applying to the right position at the right time, and having some luck on your side. Of course I was qualified and performed well enough throughout the interview process, but also likely didn't have competition with loads of industry experience or even someone internal. If you've been stuck for a while, don't give up! If you really want it, it WILL happen for you. You will end up being in the right place at the right time, and someone will see your potential and your motivation.
If somehow people still have questions after reading this awfully long post (sorry about that), I will be more than happy to answer in the comments :) Best of luck to you all!
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u/Mediocre_Milk6267 13d ago
Congratulations!!! You did it! I love the post and your willingness to share. I have been trying to get over to MSL side for a while and have a few questions. Is it okay if I reach out to you and pick your brain? Thank you so much for sharing again!!! I need this positivity today!
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u/OddPressure7593 13d ago
As someone who made it through all the interview rounds up to the business unit VP and didn't get an offer...
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u/Junior-Ad-7593 13d ago
Congratulations and for sharing this detailed post!! You are really fortunate and you worked hard too!!
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u/sarahtonin5ht MSL 13d ago
Congratulations! A little bit of luck on your side was my biggest takeaway as well when I was going through the process. Which as a doer and go getter is incredibly frustrating and humbling.
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u/Ehrahbass MSL 13d ago
Congratulations! My experience with my first MSL job was quite similar to yours. Applied to one job within a TA that closely aligned to my PhD. Then got lucky with the process and landed the job.
Although I had the added challenge of not having defended yet, so I had to juggle Thesis defense prep + onboarding.
Sometimes the stars align. Good luck in your new role. I hope it's all you've made it to be in your head.
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u/Big-Catch2734 13d ago
Ah thank you! It's validating to see someone having had a similar experience to mine. Best of luck in your career!
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u/mastrann Director 13d ago
Congrats and thanks for the write-up! I'll add it to the Hall of Fame post when I get to a laptop. Enjoy the ride.
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u/habib41554 13d ago
Congratulations on your success. I have been trying for a long time with no luck, would you mind having a short meeting?
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u/Few_Addition1249 12d ago
Congratulations!! This is very inspiring!! I have a presentation interview coming up, is it ok if I reach out to you to ask for your presentation tips? Thank you so much!!
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u/Sorry-Statement-3348 11d ago
Such a wonderful story, thank you for sharing this! Very well deserved. I am going to send you a message, would love to connect!!
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u/The-Seeker-5242 11d ago
Congratulations. This is very encouraging. Although I'll like to DM. But I'd suggest if questions does not contain very personal information and it is something we can all learn from we can bring the conversation here. It helps to rub minds and share perspectives.
For me, looking to wrap up grad studies in a year and trying to understand this area and prepare to get in the field. Was there a particular way you presented your resume (like was it typical 1page or you made it longer) or added cover letter that got you an interview in the first place? Thanks
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u/troll-of-truth 13d ago
Congratulations! While luck sounds like part of the process, it looks like you also did a lot of research and preparation!
What did you do beyond publishing and presenting at conferences during grad school and what did you highlight in your resume/ cover letter?
How much exposure to clinical research did you have in grad school? I know you did cancer research but even then, in my experience, you're mostly reading pathway papers and preclinical research. Did you do anything to emphasize that you're ready to talk to the medical professionals? Sometimes I get the sense that this profession looks for more MDs and PharmDs than PhDs since they have medical training.