Practical Strategies for MSLs, Aspiring MSLs, and Medical Affairs Leaders

By Sarah Snyder & Patrina Pellett

Most Medical Science Liaisons take 1–2 years to become truly effective in the field, not just technically competent, but confident and high-performing. 

A LinkedIn poll of 858 MSLs confirmed it: 

→ 45% said 1–2 years,

→ 34% said 6–12 months, and

→ only 9% said ...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD

You’ve sent out 30 MSL job applications.

Crickets. The problem probably isn’t your experience: it’s your resume.

If you are applying for jobs and not hearing anything back, it might be time to revamp your resume. When an academic decides to switch to the dark side (industr...

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

You have a Medical Affairs interview! Congrats! Or maybe you are interviewing with multiple companies at the same time. High five!

If all goes well, you will be invited to interviews with HR people, the hiring manager, the hiring manager's manager, the team, and maybe o...

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, MDs,and  PharmDs looking to transition into the role. On top of that, COVID has resulted in many practicing clinicians getting burned ou,t and they are also looking to move to MSL positions.

With such...