How to get your first Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role.
How to get your first Medical Science Liaison (MSL) job
Countless PharmD, MPharm, PhD, BSc’s and all the other bachelors and masters graduates reach out to me wanting to understand how they achieve their first medical affairs role. For science graduates and health care professionals of all types, the medical science liaison offers appeal to these cohorts because it is a job that provides flexibility away from the laboratory or clinic; you can bridge the gap between patients and the pharmaceutical industry. This is why I became an MSL, and if you want to, too, here are six ways to get your first MSL role within the pharmaceutical industry
Your degree
If you’re reading this, you likely have one already; it all begins with having a PhD, MPharm, PharmD, MD etc.) This is listed as an essential requirement on most job applications. This is important to demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of science and have come across academic papers.
Your CV
Most PhD graduates write the MSL CV like they’re applying for a role in academia. Most MDs write their CV like they’re using for a doctor in a hospital. Your CV must be tailored for that organisation, and your experience outside the pharmaceutical industry must be relevant to that company and that therapeutic industry.
Experience
How does one get relevant experience if they’ve never become an MSL? It is easy; what connections do you have in your previous role? Who do you know in the industry? Have you ever worked in the charity sector for this therapeutic area? How many presentations have you done, and what type are they? Think about your career so far, and you will realise you have relevant experience.
Linked in groups
Hunting for linked-in groups will enable you to find current employees and experienced medical science liaisons to connect you and give you interview tips and tricks to get past the hiring manager. You may even be fortunate to get a referral; this is gold dust and can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates.
Internships and contracts
If all fails, it is possible to get an internship, contract or another role within the organisation to prove our value. This can show you’re someone who can integrate and fit into the company culture and is ready for an MSL vacancy when it becomes available.
There’re many ways to land that first MSL role; leave a comment if you want the medical affairs academy to review your CV. Thanks for reading; until; next time.