The first 3 years as an MSL set the stage for long-term success. From building relationships to establishing your professional brand, every step you take matters. Having a clear roadmap can make all the difference in how quickly you transition from a new hire to a trusted scientific partner.
In Edition 5 of the Medical Affairs Spotlight Newsletter, we’re diving into the MSL success blueprint. Learn the key milestones to hit in your first year, the biggest challenges new MSLs face, and how to position yourself for career growth.
Here’s what’s inside:
✅ Tom’s Takeaways: Get the ideal roadmap for new MSLs from Sarah.
✅ Featured Blog: The must-follow steps to thrive in your first year as an MSL. Don’t miss this essential guide (read the post for a free checklist)!
✅ Expert Recommendation: Join our RISE Community—a dedicated support system to help new MSLs succeed.
✅ Poll Results: What’s the biggest adjustment for new MSLs? See the poll results!
✅ Success Story: Hear how Lauris landed her MSL dream job—her journey could inspire yours!
Set yourself up for success, overcome common challenges, and fast-track your MSL career with this essential roadmap!
MSL Talk Podcast: "The IDEAL Roadmap for NEW MSLs"
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In this episode of MSL Talk Podcast (#244), Sarah Snyder, MSL Recruiter at The Carolan Group and Co-Founder of MSL Mastery, shares the ideal roadmap for new Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). She breaks down what it takes to excel in your first three years, from building strong relationships to establishing credibility.
Here are Tom's biggest takeaways that didn't make it into the episode (but are crucial for every new MSL!):
1️⃣ Internal relationships matter. Success isn’t just about KOLs—cross-functional partnerships help drive career growth and open new opportunities.
2️⃣ Your brand is your currency. A strong LinkedIn presence isn’t optional—it’s essential for building credibility and positioning yourself for future roles
3️⃣Find a mentor early. Guidance from an experienced MSL can fast-track your learning, help you navigate challenges, and accelerate your success.
Tune in to the full episode for expert insights.
Featured Blog Post: "The Roadmap Every New MSL Needs to Succeed in Year One?"
In this blog post, we break down the roadmap every new MSL needs to thrive in their first year and why some struggle to gain traction.
The reality? Most new MSLs don’t fall behind because they lack scientific expertise. They struggle because they:
► Don’t establish strong KOL relationships early
► Fail to build momentum in their first 6 months
► Neglect internal networking, missing key career opportunities
► Underestimate the power of personal branding on LinkedIn
Success as an MSL isn’t just about knowledge: it’s about strategy, execution, and positioning yourself as a trusted partner.
This is proof: a clear roadmap isn’t optional—it’s the key to long-term success.
Read the Full Post Now - Click Here
Expert Recommendation: RISE Community Program
Succeeding as a new MSL isn’t just about scientific knowledge—it’s about confidence, strategy, and having the right support system. If you’re feeling uncertain about your role or looking to sharpen your skills, the RISE Community is here to help.
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Poll Results: What's the biggest adjustment to becoming a Medical Science Liaison
In a recent poll, we asked: What’s the biggest adjustment to becoming a Medical Science Liaison? The results are in!
► 60% of respondents said Access to KOLs is the biggest challenge when transitioning into the MSL role.
► Time management (22%),
► Cross-functional Partnerships (13%), and ► other factors (5%) were also key adjustments.
Key takeaway: Building strong KOL relationships takes time, strategy, and persistence. Developing a clear engagement plan and leveraging internal resources can help new MSLs overcome this hurdle faster.
Success Stories: Lauri's MSL Journey & the Path to Success
We’re thrilled to feature another incredible success story that showcases the hard work and dedication of one of our own, Lauri. Her inspiring journey to securing an MSL role at Abbott demonstrates the power of perseverance and the value of the right guidance and support.
Lauri’s Story:
“Sarah, I don’t think I could possibly be more excited to share with you that I accepted a verbal offer yesterday to join Abbott as an MSL!!! I had my panel interview and presentation yesterday, and at the end of the call, the director mentioned that I should expect a call from their Talent Acquisition team for next steps. It took everything I had not to ugly cry at that moment, but I managed to keep it together! Shortly after, I received the verbal offer, with the plan for a written offer by Monday!”
Why This Story Matters
Lauri’s story is a powerful example of what happens when you combine persistence, the right support, and a commitment to growth. Her success shows that while the journey may take time, the results are well worth the effort. It’s a reminder that even when the path seems long, staying focused and applying the right strategies can lead to your dream role.
That’s it for Edition 5 of the Medical Affairs Spotlight Newsletter!
This edition is all about excelling as an MSL in your first 3 years—an exciting time filled with learning and growth. Which tip are you most excited to apply to your MSL journey? Hit reply and let us know!
See you next Friday!
Your MSL Mastery Team,
Sarah, Patrina, Tom, and Ralph
📅 P.S. Ready to accelerate your MSL career? Join our RISE Community to gain the skills you need for success from day one!
📩 P.S.S. Looking for a quick win? Focus on building strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs)—this will set the foundation for your long-term success as an MSL!
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