MSL Blog post

SURVEY: What was your highest degree when you started your first MSL job? N=408

It is a common question from aspiring MSL, what degree do I need to break into the MSL role.

It is interesting to see that despite Terminal D degree being the most common answer 66% with 17% having a double Terminal D degree (e.g. MD/PhD, PharmD/PhD); 25% of the MSLs surveyed had a Masters and 8% a Bachelors as...

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SURVEY: How much does another company need to pay you extra to make you move as an MSL?

Money is important, but it certainly isn't everything. A quarter (24%)  of the MSLs surveyed said that even a 20% increase would not make them move. They must be really happy in their current job and team.

60% of the MSLs surveyed would want 20% salary increase to consider moving, 10% an increase of 10% is good...

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SURVEY: How long did it take you to land your first MSL job? N=416

It is an understatement to say that breaking into the MSL role is difficult and takes a lot of upskilling, dedication, and time...

Too many aspiring MSLs (might) give up too quickly?!

This is the largest survey asking MSLs how long it took them to break in. This survey shows that only 30% managed to get in within 3...

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SURVEY: How happy are you in your current MSL role? N=382

Out of 382 MSLs who voted,  77% of MSLs surveyed described the role either as “the Best job ever” 60% or a “great job” 17%

However, 6% said they hated the job but provided little explanation as of why!
Some of the DMs we received mentioned:

  • Bad company/team culture
  • Not happy with the...
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SURVEY: Is an MBA valuable for a career in medical affairs? N=668

A third thinks it is overrated, another are not sure of the value (yet), and another third says it is needed to climb the corporate ladder. 4% thinks it is a must!

Here are some of your comments:

  1. There are so many things to upskill on, not sure the MBA is number one. I would maybe start with clinical trial...
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SURVEY: As an MSL, how often do you have to be in the office? N=409

This is the largest MSL survey to assess the work location flexibility of MSLs with over 400 answers across the globe, where we "As an MSL, how often do you have to be in the office?"

We know the MSL is an in-field/KOL facing role. However, a number of companies asks their MSLs to work from the office if they...

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SURVEY: As an MSL, how long should you wait before seeking a promotion? N+500

 

Roughly a quarter (28%) of the responders would like to see a quick rise on the corporate ladder and be promoted to senior MSL within a year. While the majority (58%) believe that a good 2-3 years of experience is reasonable to have before being promoted to a senior MSL.

Here are some of the comments:

  1. ...
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SURVEY: Did you negotiate your first MSL salary? N=1604

Lot's of new MSLs wonder if they should negotiate on their first MSL offer. Should you be just happy and sign, ask for a bit more and see where it gets you, of go hard on them?

Below we captured 4 top tips on how to maximize your salary negotiation. Feel free to comment if we missed anything.

  1. Be factual and use...
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SURVEY: How important is it for MSLs to go to international conferences? N=411

As an MSL how important is it for you to go to international conferences? N=411

Since COVID most conferences are recorded or can be access virtually live. Due to the cost attached to sending MSLs to conferences a lot of companies have reduced the number and frequency of MSL attending in person. This survey shows...

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SURVEY: As an MSL, on average, how many nights a month are you away from home? N=604

As an MSL, on average, how many nights a month are you away from home? N=604
#MSLsurvey #medicalscienceliaison #MSLtravel

This is a commonly asked question from aspiring MSL. They are often wondering if the amount of travel or nights away from home will suit their lifestyle. This is particularly true for...

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