By Yutong (Rainey) Yang

The Turning Point in My MSL Job Hunt

Every MSL success story looks polished in hindsight. But behind every offer is a trail of rejections, awkward cold messages, and second-guessing. This is the real story behind my first MSL role.

We love success stories with clear timelines. On June 16, 2025, I officially joined the ASPIRE MSL Program, and less than three months later, I received my verbal offer for my first MSL role on September 5, 2025. It sounds incredible and glamorous, and I wish I could stop here. But I don’t want to fool you with only the highlight reel—so keep reading to unfold the real story behind it.

Pre-warning: you’ll notice a few familiar quotes and stories from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, who became one of my greatest companions throughout this process.

On August 10, 2023, I sent my very first cold message on LinkedIn. Looking back, it read more like a short novel—full of rookie mistakes and red flags. I asked for too much instead of keeping the focus on the other person.

Thankfully, the school alumnus I reached out to was kind enough to offer me a chat. On September 28, I held my first informational interview. That’s when I started to truly learn what an MSL does—and even discovered the MSL Talk Podcast, hosted by Tom.

“That single conversation opened the door to many more — the start of a true MSL job hunt filled with cold messages, LinkedIn outreaches, and informational interviews.” But despite all the effort, nothing seemed to echo back. Each attempt felt like it sank into the sea without a ripple.

Frustrated, I came across the ASPIRE MSL Program through the MSL Talk Podcast and reached out to Sarah for the first time on October 15, 2023. I spoke with several aspiring MSLs in the program but hesitated to commit. Instead, I tried to “DIY” my way forward—networking on my own, tailoring résumés, asking for referrals, and applying through every cycle. I told myself I could figure it out.

I hit small milestones—an HR screen here, a recruiter email there—but nothing moved beyond the first step. Each time momentum built, it faded just as quickly when progress stalled. Eventually, I paused my search after moving into a managed care role. But deep down, I knew the industry path was where I belonged.

So I started again. I leaned back into networking, joined AMCP, and began attending local events and conferences to build real, face-to-face connections. Progress came slowly. The relationships were meaningful, but the dream of landing an industry role still felt out of reach.

Where the Turning Point Starts… 

Here’s when my MSL job hunt suddenly flipped and led to my first offer.  On June 12, 2025, I reached out to Sarah again and decided to finally make the investment to join the ASPIRE community—one of the best decisions I’ve made in 2025!

From day one, the “Rule of Three” stuck with me. I used it to frame my interview practice, but it also became a mindset. So here are the three biggest things I’ve done differently since joining the program:

Lesson 1: Put the Reps In During Your MSL Job Hunt

“Complaining about not achieving success despite working hard is like complaining about an ice cube not melting when you heated it from twenty-five to thirty-one degrees. Your work was not wasted; it is just being stored. All the action happens at thirty-two degrees.” – James Clear

The program is intentionally structured—confidence-building, dissecting the MSL role, résumé and LinkedIn optimization, networking strategy, interview prep, presentation coaching, and more. The real key, though, is consistency.

I marked my calendar, showed up every week, watched the modules, listened to coaching calls, scheduled informational interviews, tracked job searches, and practiced interviews relentlessly. I recorded myself over and over again (yes, my phone is full of cringe-worthy clips). Netflix nights? Replaced with presentation practice—Sarah’s favorite.

👉 Pro tip: time audits and time blocking were game changers. Here’s a resource I leaned on: Time Audit for Medical Affairs. For more great tools, follow Patrina and the MSL Mastery page on LinkedIn—you’ll thank yourself later! 

Spreadsheets became my best friend. I logged every job application, every informational interview, every follow-up. Suddenly, the path wasn’t abstract anymore—it was visible and measurable.

Following structure gave me direction. And even though I’d say I only did about 70% of what was recommended, the progress still compounded. Consistency is what turns an uncertain MSL job hunt into real momentum.

When I landed my first final-round interview, I didn’t practice alone. I rehearsed with the ASPIRE MSL community, ran mock interviews with an MSL friend over Labor Day weekend, gained perspective from an MSL at the company I was interviewing with, and received feedback from another who had just completed the process himself.

Every practice round made me sharper, more confident, and more prepared for the real thing. The key isn’t to obsess over the final result, but to celebrate small wins along the way, build a repeatable system, and gradually shape your identity—learning to think, speak, and show up like an MSL.

Lesson 2: Community Transforms the MSL Job Hunt

“One of the most effective things you can do to build better habits is to join a culture where (1) your desired behavior is the normal behavior and (2) you already have something in common with the group.” – James Clear

The power of community is real. With my peers, I shared weekly highs, lows, and “buffalos,” lifted each other up when things weren’t going well, and cheered one another on as cheerleaders. Some of these connections have grown into lifelong friendships—and may even become future colleagues.

As a PharmD by training, I gained so much by engaging with professionals from different backgrounds. Their perspectives broadened my own, whether it was learning new ways to navigate resources, how to approach outreach, or simply hearing their stories.

Of course, there were moments of “comparisonitis.” Watching others land roles before me was both inspiring and a little intimidating. I was genuinely happy for them, but I couldn’t help wondering, Will I ever be next? The mindset shift came when I reframed it: if others can do it, so can I. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I chose to absorb the good from their journeys and apply it to my own.

This time, I wasn’t alone. I had accountability partners who checked in, peers who celebrated even the smallest wins, and mentors who weren’t afraid to give honest feedback. That sense of belonging kept me steady even when rejection emails piled up. Surrounded by people walking the same path, I no longer felt like I was shouting into the void. I gained perspective, confidence, and the energy to keep moving forward. Accountability partners kept me steady through the long MSL job hunt process — every rejection, every small win, every breakthrough.

Lesson 3: Networking Is the Heart of the MSL Job Hunt

As I mentioned at the very beginning, I had already started reaching out to folks on LinkedIn and building connections. But here’s the question that haunted me for months: Why did it barely lead to next steps?

The answer? Make it all about the other person. Focus on listening to their stories and journeys—rather than rambling through your own life story since birth. And please, please, please keep your first message short and sweet. Make it easy for them—suggest times, share your availability, and keep the barrier low.

Networking isn’t about asking for referrals or opportunities. It’s about building real relationships. When you show up authentically, the tone of the conversation changes. Bring value to the other person: track the small things they share in conversations, send congratulations on their achievements, and engage thoughtfully with their posts.

Why track everything? Because you need to follow up. Monthly or quarterly reminders on your calendar will keep the relationship alive. (Confession: I used to play the numbers game, checking boxes without ever following up. It got me nowhere.)

👉 Here’s a great read on why follow-up matters.

This approach mirrors exactly what an MSL does with KOLs—always setting up the next interaction before ending the current one. Treat every informational interview like a formal interview, because you never know which one might change your life. In fact, I landed my internal referral for my MSL role through an informational interview—because I treated it as a chance to build trust, not just ask for help. Networking isn’t a side task; it’s the core skill that makes or breaks your MSL job hunt.

And here’s the truth: it’s okay if 99% of your cold messages go unanswered. Most of the time, it’s not about you—it’s just bad timing. Circle back later. People do love to help.

👉 More on why networking feels uncomfortable but is worth it.

Bonus Lesson from the MSL Job Hunt: Let AI Be Your Strategic Partner

I apparently lied when I said “Rule of Three.” If there’s one more piece of advice I’d offer, it’s this: leverage AI and technology—let it become your strategic partner and do the heavy lifting for you.

AI isn’t perfect. You don’t want to copy-paste everything it produces, and it won’t always be the source of truth. But when used wisely, it’s a powerful tool. It can help you streamline job searches, narrow down targeted therapeutic areas and companies, prepare for interviews, and even sharpen your communication.

In other words, AI won’t replace the work—but it will amplify your efforts if you let it.

👉 Examples of how to use ChatGPT in your job search

👉 AI assistant for Medical Affairs

👉 Why MSLs should not fear AI

Wrapping Up the MSL Job Hunt Journey

At the end of the day, my MSL journey wasn’t about luck—it was about reps, community, relationships, and learning to work smarter with the tools we have.

If you’re on the same path:

✅ Put the work in consistently

✅ Surround yourself with the right people

✅ Build relationships, not checkboxes

✅ And yes—let AI do some of the heavy lifting

Small wins compound. Authentic connections matter. And momentum comes when you show up as your future MSL self—before the title ever arrives. In the end, these 3 lessons turned my MSL job hunt into a first offer — proof that small wins, authentic connections, and consistency compound.

Disclaimer: 100% my journey, 100% my voice… just with a little AI shine ;)