MSL Blog post

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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4 key tips on how to transition with no MSL experience*

Transitioning into an MSL role is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work, more work than you think. Below are 4 tips on how to prepare.

1. Be fully knowledgeable on the MSL role. Your past experience or knowledge will not get you the MSL role. Only what you will start to upskill from now on about the MSL role will...

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Soft skills are essential for MSLs

Soft skills & Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are essential for MSLs and aspiring MSLs to optimally engage with internal and external stakeholders and excel in their MSL role.

Soft-Skills & EQ are also considered by recruiters and hiring managers as THE most important traits when assessing candidates during the...

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Is job hopping bad for your MSL career?

We had a lot of questions recently from MSL candidates who are worried about leaving their job after only 1-2 years and asked FSTP if it is bad to “Job hop”.

Here's our view as FSTP to MSLs, MSL managers and recruiters:

1) To the MSLs.

Yes, it is ok to "job hop". Most candidates job hop, because of the...

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Clinical trials audiobook for MSLs

Conducting clinical trials is essential in bringing a drug to the market. As an MSL you need to know everything about clinical trials, as trial read outs and trial data is what you will be discussing as an MSL with your KOLs.

FSTP has developed the first FREE audiobook on Clinical Trials together with Fast...

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5 common MSL interview mistakes

1 – Not fully understanding the MSL role. 

The standard questions you will be asked are: “Could you describe the MSL role? How does it differ to a sales role?  How do you bring value to the HCPs and to the company? Tell us about MSL compliance and ethics?”

2 - Lack of preparation. You...

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The 4 steps in the MSL hiring Process

Step 1: The phone call with HR. This interview is to quickly assess your understanding of the MSL role and to ensure you fulfill the key job requirements.

Step 2: The technical and behavioral interview. This interview assesses your skills, competencies and knowledge that are relevant to the MSL role. It also...

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Use your postdoc grand/fellowship money to get MSL career ready

Postdocs are very committed to their research projects (I have been one). It is not with surprise that I hear that some postdocs are working AND keep on working knowing that their fellowship or grant money is running out very, very soon. Some even work without receiving ANY salary, just to finish the last...
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How low can your postdoc go?

Recently I was talking to one of our candidates - who is currently working as an MSL - about the time we first spoke on the phone. The first time we spoke, was about her interest in our “from SCIENCE to PHARMA” MSL training course, as she desperately wanted to become an MSL (and leave academia).

In our...

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