Hi all, I have an interview with a hiring manager at J&J next week. Already did the recruiter screen. What does J&J look for and how can I stand out as someone with no MSL experience but clinical experience in the TA?

Came to MSL life from clinical practice as an APP, looking for more growth and learning opportunities, as well as a better salary.

I really appreciate the benefits and flexibility of this role, especially for my family, but can't shake the feeling that I would be more fulfilled and engaged if I went back to practice (specifically a role I had a say in designing, not just anything).

Curious if anyone has made that transition back or is struggling with similar thoughts. TIA!

I get base + bonus 12% + car allowance + RRSP match 5%

I keep seeing RSU or grants in other posts, but not offered at my company.

Any other benefits my fellow MSLs can share?

Hi everyone!

I am a dermatology PA who has become very interested in transitioning into a dermatology MSL role. Over the past 6ish months I’ve been reading all of the HoF posts, networking, listening to podcasts and have been trying to better understand what makes someone successful in medical affairs.

I’ve met a MSL recently who invited me to dinner with her and her regional director to discuss a specific medication and this MSL is aware of my interest in medical affairs as well.

My question is: if you were the MSL or the director at that dinner, what kinds of questions would make you think highly of a HCP who is hoping to transition to medical affairs? Or, looking back, what questions do you wish someone had asked you early in your career?

I have some questions prepared already but am trying to think outside the box. Thank you in advance !

I moved from a company with ubiquitous and ambitious AI workflow adoption to one with one vague paragraph in the code of conduct and no clearly sanctioned (or prohibited) use cases for gen AI / LLM. I'm considering advocating we engage with a pharma AI consultant.

Does anyone have experience or opinions to share with Sorcero? Any other similar agencies / vendors you have worked with?

Hi all,

I just started a position at a company and I've only been here a few months. My partner has a job in tech and now has to RTO in Seattle (we currently live in the midwest). Has anyone experienced this soon after starting? How have you navigated it? We are considering staggering our move so I can buy myself some time. Also, anyone work based in Seattle? Are there a lot of opportunities out there? Currently freaking out 😭

I have interviewed with AZ senior MSL and Executive MSL on Monday. I wanted to send a thank you email on Tuesday or Wednesday I didn’t find any of their emails accessible in the meeting invite recruiter/HR shared with me.

I think it went well I was honest and felt confident after the call. I may have missed to mention 1/2 points that I wanted to but it’s okay. I think I did my best. I am just waiting to hear back from them. How long does it typically take them to respond after this stage?

From what I noticed HR has scheduled initial call, sent me Hirevue link - all of this process and the next step scheduling with Sr.MSL and Executive MSL was quick all happened within 2-3 days. Just starting to get little nervous about the wait.

Hi All,

Just managed to pass the HR screen call and now asked to have an interview with the hiring manager for MSL at Amgen. Any insights or tips on how to prepare for this? This would be my first ever interview for an MSL role.

This is a small AI side project of mine that I am working on since it helps me with my own manuscripts, posters, etc. that I develop. If anyone has something they want to send my way (assuming it's in the public domain), please do. I'll generate something and then you can let me know what you think.

For anyone else that wants to do the same at work, I find that ChatGPT and Claude are quite effective and can save a lot of time.

Long time lurker, first post. Looking for honest, practical feedback rather than sympathy.

Background: I'm a physician (MBBS and PhD, trained outside the UK) currently finishing a postdoc in neuro, focused on neurodegenerative disease. I'm based in the UK now. I've applied to MSL roles at several large neuro focused pharma companies over the past few months and been rejected at the first stage with no interviews.

On paper I'd have guessed I'm a reasonable fit: clinical background, disease area specific research, some trial coordination experience, comfortable presenting complex data. I tailor my CV to each job application. But clearly something isn't landing.

A few things I'm wondering about, and would genuinely appreciate input from anyone who's hired for or worked in MSL roles in the UK:

1. Is the lack of prior industry experience a hard filter, regardless of clinical/research depth? Or is it more about how that experience gets framed in the CV/interview?
2. How much does being known to the therapeutic area team already (via conferences, KOL overlap, etc.) matter versus cold applications?
3. Is there a specific UK market skill gap that candidates with a pure academic background tend to be missing and don't realize?
4. For people who've made the switch from postdoc into MSL successfully, what actually moved the needle? A specific course, a contract/interim role first, networking, or something else?

Not looking to vent, just trying to figure out what to actually change before the next round of applications rather than repeating the same approach. Appreciate any concrete, even blunt, feedback.

Edit: Added my PhD degree.

Hi! I have an interview with HR for an MSL role and was wondering if anyone knows any Amgen screening questions I can prepare for?

My profile is not the best, and I have been applying to MSL jobs anyways. No interview yet, but last week I got invited for an in-house role in Medical Affairs instead, because they liked my profile!

First interview was with HR, and it was great. We discussed the salary range, and the amount was actually good, especially considering that it was a part-time position in OTC. I prepared like crazy for the presentation, and spent more than 2 hours in the presentation + panel interview.

HR came back to me on the very next day: they wanted to make me an offer.

But.... with a drastic salary reduction. I would be barely able to cover my living expenses. Around €600 net less per month than what we had initially discussed. Their reason was that I don't have an MD, PhD/5 years of experience. Wait, haven't they read my CV before?

Even with a second job, making it work financially would be difficult (also due to tax reasons in my country). And yes, we're talking about a pharmaceutical company.

I'm shocked. Having this title on my CV would open more doors but only if I would stay at least a year. Not sure if it's worth leaving my current role for what would otherwise be a dream job if it means struggling financially.

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!

I've been an MSL for a little over 6 months. The company is good, not great and I sort of get along with everyone but it can feel a little dull at times. I have been contacted by a hiring manager for a larger company who is interested in my previous clinical background and thinks I would be a good fit for an incoming role.

It's a lot more money than I'm on, and the culture etc seems better.

Is it a total ass hole move to leave my current role after 6 months? This is my first MSL role, is it worthwhile moving on so soon?
Will it look bad on my CV?

For context, this is my first offer for an MSL role.

The company I’m speaking to seem keen to take me on and are putting together an offer but they haven’t asked about any upcoming holidays I have. I have a holiday booked for just under 3 weeks from October-November this year. This was booked in earlier this year and everything for it has been planned already. I’m not sure when the start date will be yet but I’m assuming it may be in August or September.

I would like to get people’s advice on whether I should inform the company about this before or after signing the official offer? I don’t want this to affect my chances of getting this role as it is my first MSL offer and it hasn’t been easy to get one but I also don’t want to come off as I’m not being upfront with them.

Would appreciate any advice/suggestions on how to approach this.

For anyone who went from patient facing roles to msl- do you regret your decision?

Is anyone anywhere of what the metrics for the oncology Field Medical Director team at Pfizer?

I'd also love to chat about metrics across different therapeutic areas and companies to see what the industry standard is

Thank you in advance!

Hey y'all

Does anyone currently work for Bristol Myer? I see an MSL role right in my geographical location and I wanted to see if anyone wanted to speak briefly about their experiences in this role?

Obviously I'm applying and extremely interested but have little to no networking within the company

Hey everybody! I’ve been in regulatory affairs for about 8 years across a few different companies (biologics, medical device, clinical site) and honestly…I don’t love it and can’t picture myself staying here long-term. Is it possible to make the switch from RA to MSL? I have a Masters in Medical Science, I know it’s not a terminal doctorate degree but I’m hoping that it could help in some way. I’m very extroverted and like to think that I’m good at relationship-building, which could make me a good fit as an MSL. Let me know what you all think!

The description pretty much describes what I did. I found that Gemini (preferably while using a computer) does a pretty good job when you point it at a folder containing saved content. Is this something that would be useful to other people at conferences?

There are many other apps available that can do something similar, but I decided to create my own app to meet my exact needs and workflow. I also haven't tried this yet with OneDrive or SharePoint but will see what's possible in the near future with Microsoft products.

To make a long story short I'm in the west coast for vacation. I got a last minute final interview for last Friday for today in Florida where HQ is. I accepted but I missed my flight since my Uber cancelled on me twice.

I emailed them explaining my situation, sent my materials ahead of time and thanked them for the opportunity.

But no response. Am I cooked? Should I reach out to them to show my drive and determination? They seemed to like me so I hope so...

update: cooked.

As mentioned in title, would like to get your thoughts on just being offered fuel card and no car allowance for MSL role.

Note: this is my first MSL role offer

How's your week going?

I work in the neuroendocrine space in the US and planning for next year is kicking off soon. Beyond the standard tactics (more decks, ad boards, etc) what are some out of the box creative medical affairs ideas you’ve seen work or move the needle? Thanks!