MSL Blog post

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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SURVEY: What was the industry/type of work you were in prior to your 1st MSL job?

 What was the industry/type of work you were in prior to you starting your 1st MSL job? (N=475)

#MSLsurvey #MSLpriorwork #MSLpriorcareer

A lot of aspiring MSLs are wondering what prior industry or line of work might be better suited to break into the MSL role. We conducted the first survey on this topic and 475...

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SURVEY: Newly recruited MSLs are struggling in their first year as an MSL

Is it time to have an honest conversation? FSTP, from SCIENCE to PHARMA, has run the largest survey asking newly recruited MSLs how they feel in their first 12 months in the role.

 

Out of 735 MSLs who voted, 83% of MSL were struggling in their first 12 months in the role!!

  • 51% said it was a challenge.
  • 18%...
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SURVEY: How did you land your first MSL role?

 “How did you land your first MSL role? Poll is closed. N=379. The results are out.
#MSLsurvey #FirstMSLrole #Medicalscienceliaison #AspiringMSL #MSL #MSLS

Here are the results:

  • Internal referral 39%;
  • Directly via job ads: 36%;
  • External recruiter: 16%;
  • I was headhunted 9%

Thank you to those...

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SURVEY: How old were you when you started your first MSL job

Many aspiring MSLs are worried that they might be too young OR too old to start as an MSL. So we asked, "How old were you when you started your first MSL job?" The results show that most MSLs started their first MSL job in their 30s. However, a lot of MSLs also started their first role in their 20s and also in their...

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SURVEY: What do you think is the best degree to (quickly) become an MSL?

What do you think is the best degree to (quickly) become an MSL? Poll is closed. N=912. The results are out. Thank you to those who voted.

The results are as follow:

  • 48% PharmD,
  • 21% PhD,
  • 18% MD and,
  • 13% of you say that Terminal D degrees are overrated when it comes to breaking into an MSL role.

I captured below...

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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...
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SURVEY: How can you increase your changes of breaking into an MSL role.

We asked you how you think you can increase your changes of breaking into an MSL role and the data is pretty clear (n=461). 47% say, “just apply”, 33% say start “working as a CRA or Med Info”, only 15% say “do a postdoc” and 5% of you think “doing an MBA” will help.

We...

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SURVEY: To note or not to note as an MSL

We did a survey if it is ok to take (extensive) notes when you are talking with a KOL. The results are very clear!! 95% of you think it is OK. We captured below some of the best practices you shared with the group when it comes to taking notes in front of KOLs. Feel free to comment if we missed anything.

...

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