Welcome to the MSL Mastery Blog

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Jamie, a recent PhD graduate, was over the moon when she received her first invitation for an MSL interview. However, her excitement quickly turned to anxiety as she sat in front of her computer, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about...

By Patrina Pellett & Sarah Snyder

Being a parent and having a full-time job is tough in any industry. You basically have 3 full-time jobs. The MSL role is no exception and introduces some additional challenges. Many aspiring MSLs wonder if the MSL role is compatible with being a parent.

The answer i...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Preparing for the first MSL usually makes people feel two very strong, but completely opposite emotions:

1. Extreme excitement
2. Blood pressure rising, nervousness

It's high-stakes, so it makes complete sense to have this type of reaction. On my fir...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

I have a friend who has a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard. She told me that she doesn't have transferable skills. My mind exploded 🤯. I thought you were crazy—you have so many transferable skills.

This is a common theme among folks with t...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

We are like a broken record over here about how important it is to network for your job search. It is absolutely one of the best ways to get your resume in front of hiring managers.  

Here are some great resources to improve your networking skills...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Everyone talks about job searching being so painful but does it have to be? Why can't the job search process be something that you enjoy? This article is here to inspire you to flip your negative views of the job search on its head and instead thin...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Does this sound like you? You are finishing up your PhD, MD, or PharmD and cruising the job market. Or thinking of transitioning out of clinical practice and looking for industry jobs.

Then someone says you would be a good MSL, or you randomly run...

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," and ...

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 Carave...

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 t...

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 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...