SURVEY: What topic would you present on in your final interview round?

This was a close call 54-46%. The jury is not out!
We captured below some of the best comments from recruiters, hiring managers and MSLs.

1.  It's risky to go with data you aren't as familiar with. It can pay off but often it doesn't in my experience. Great question!
2.  Presenting on something relevant to a future job shows agility, adaptability and getting outside the comfort zone which can say more about him then a perfect presentation on a topic that the hiring managers know is his area of expertise (it's most probably highlighted all over his resume).
3.  You definitely want to do a topic you are an expert on -- this is the best scenario because in your current MSL position. This demonstrates to the interviewer(s) what you would be like as the "MSL expert" up-to-speed on the data and presenting it to others, etc.
4.  I would e-mail and ask them if they prefer scientific or if it can be anything. I prefer candidates to present on an interesting topic they are passionate about rather than scientific. It makes for a more interesting presentation and dialogue afterward. I feel like the goal is just to see you can present well, communicate, and be personable! I presented on a personal topic one that was not in the disease state or very scientific. I asked permission and what they were looking for first.
5. Most of the companies I have interviewed for want you to at least present on something in the same general wheelhouse. So a Neuro presentation of some kind for a neuro gig, etc.

Below are some of our personal thoughts. We strongly believe in presenting on the phase 3 clinical trial data you will be working on as an MSL, for several reasons.

1. It shows your LEVEL OF DEDICATION as you made the effort to learn and upskill on what matter to the role ie the disease, the product and the data (efficacy/safety) in a "short" amount of time
2. It shows that you really UNDERSTAND THE THERAPEUTIC AREA you will be working on ie current treatment landscape, guidelines etc.
3. It shows your ability to critically assess the strength and weaknesses of the clinical trial you will be covering as an MSL
4. It shows your ABILITY TO QUICKLY UPSKILL on a given disease/product – which is a critical aspect of the MSL role.
5. It shows you LEVEL of READINESS to start working as an MSL on the disease and product you are applying for
   
   PS: It does take a lot more effort than presenting on your favorite topic, but I believe it clearly shows your are ready as an MSL and think, talk and present like an MSL.