Welcome to the MSL Mastery Blog

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

One of the most frequently asked questions that Tom and Sarah get is how to land an MSL role without experience?

Sarah always points out that 100% of MSLs start without experience. So many aspiring MSLs hear that they "don't have experience" an...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

"AI won't take your job. It's somebody using AI that will take your job." - Richard Baldwin 

In other words, it's time to get on the AI boat. How can job seekers in Medical Affairs use this technology to stick out during the job search? Tom Car...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

"Do I have what it takes to be an MSL?" 

Tom Caravela and Sarah Snyder say this is the top question they get from aspiring MSLs. Many aspiring MSLs are coming out of their PhDs, post-docs, PharmDs, MDs, or clinical practice and aren't sure what...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Pro networking skills are required to work in Medical Affairs. Whether you are an Aspiring MSL, existing MSL or in another Medical Affairs function relationship building is critical! With time and practice you get past the feelings of dread and anx...

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 ...