Insight gathering is an essential part of the MSL role. Do you have a structured plan to gather insights from the field?

The topic of feeling recognized by your peers inside your company as an MSL comes back all the time. People (in commercial) talk about medical being a support function. Rather Medical Affairs is the driver of all the internal and external relationships

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 highes...

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 enough...

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 m...

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 KPIs
• Too commercial
• Lack
...

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 developm
...

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 are not ...

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. Totally de
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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 act...