Welcome to the MSL Mastery Blog

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Are you able to reach out to someone you don't know, get them to respond, and then build a meaningful connection with them (i.e. network)?

Networking is a required skill for the job search (here are 3 benefits of networking when searching for an M...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Are you frustrated by your MSL job search? You know you are destined to be an MSL but something is not working. Many aspiring MSLs find themselves in this position. They know they are stuck but don't know what to do next. If this sounds like you, k...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

What is one piece of interviewing advice that you always hear? To ask good questions! I even mention it in this Quick Interviewing Checklist. But what does that even mean? Let's dig into this a little deeper and dissect what someone means when they...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

The MSL job search process is a rollercoaster of emotions. For most folks, there tends to be some ups and A LOT of downs. It's hard to stay positive when you:

• Submit application after application and get radio silence
• Make it to the final round
...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

You are looking to land your first MSL position and send your resume to 100s of job listings. Then you never hear back and start to feel really discouraged. The job market is tough and the MSL job market is super competitive. There is a better way ...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD

What is the most dreaded word for every job searcher, PhD, MD, PharmD, and just humans in general?

Networking.

You know you need to network but it is so awful! It's hard. It's awkward. What if you get rejected. You'll have to talk to strangers, and then probably get rej...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD & Tom Caravela

When you get Medical Affairs Interviews, you don't want to miss anything. These jobs are extremely competitive and you want to be prepared to shine. Tom Caravela and I prepared this quick Medical Affairs Interviewing Checklist to help you crush your next in...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD

"There is no need to have her move forward with a presentation. Would you please be able to cancel tomorrow?"

This is feedback that Tom Caravela received from a hiring manager after an interview with an MSL candidate went terribly wrong. So what happened? This candidate ...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

I help a lot of PhDs, post-docs, professors, aspiring MSLs, MSLs, and Medical Affairs leaders with their job search or transition. I get a lot of calls like this, "Hey, I am thinking about taking this role. What do you think?" I always give folks m...

 By Patrina Pellett, PhD

The MSL job market is extra crazy right now. There are so many new PhDs, MD, PharmDs looking to transition into the role. On top of that COVID has resulted in many practicing clinicians getting burned out and they are also looking to move to MSL positions.

With such a satu...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD

Are you applying for jobs and not hearing anything back? Maybe it’s time to revamp your resume. When an academic decides to switch to the dark side (industry), figuring out how to get a real job is hard.  Especially the resume part. And yet so important. Your resume can get ...