From Bench to Field: Transitioning into the MSL Role Without Industry Experience

Breaking into the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role can feel intimidating, especially without prior industry experience. However, the growing demand for science communicators and educators in pharma has opened doors for PharmDs, PhDs, MDs, and other advanced degree holders with clinical or research backgrounds. This post explores actionable steps for making the transition and how to frame your existing skills for the MSL world.

While the path may seem unclear at first, many successful MSLs began in your shoes—curious, credentialed, and unsure of how to break in. Your academic foundation is more valuable than you think; the key is learning how to repurpose it for an industry lens.

Understanding the MSL Role

At its core, the MSL role is about building scientific relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and communicating clinical and real-world data. Unlike sales reps, MSLs remain non-promotional and focus on education, insight gathering, and support for clinical trials or product launches. Understanding this distinction is key to tailoring your resume and interview answers. MSLs must also stay current with therapeutic area advancements and support internal teams with field insights. Their day-to-day may involve congress attendance, slide deck development, and scientific training.

Being a successful MSL is not just about what you know but how well you communicate and apply it in real-world settings. MSLs are expected to synthesize complex clinical data into digestible formats for busy healthcare professionals. They often act as internal advisors, contributing to cross-functional strategies for launch planning or medical education. The role is fast-paced and intellectually stimulating, attracting professionals who enjoy being at the forefront of science.

Flexibility and a growth mindset are essential as responsibilities often evolve with the therapeutic landscape. Each engagement with a KOL is an opportunity to both inform and learn. A strong MSL not only understands science but also knows how to tailor the message based on who’s listening.
MSLs bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, translating innovation into patient impact. It’s a role that blends science, strategy, and human connection. Time management and prioritization are critical, especially when juggling multiple stakeholders and internal deadlines.

Curiosity and integrity go hand in hand; MSLs are trusted because they value both evidence and ethics. Developing emotional intelligence can elevate your interactions with KOLs, particularly during sensitive discussions around data or unmet needs. It’s important to remember that every scientific exchange isn’t just a presentation—it’s a two-way dialogue.

Step 1: Reframe Your Academic or Clinical Experience

Even if you haven’t worked in pharma, you’ve likely developed transferable skills:

• Presented data at conferences? That’s public scientific communication.
  
• Mentored students or interns? That’s stakeholder engagement.
  
• Authored peer-reviewed publications? That’s content creation and review.
  
• Managed clinical protocols? That’s cross-functional collaboration.

Start identifying these experiences and align them with MSL competencies like communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Remember, storytelling matters—be ready to connect your experience with the real-world impact an MSL can have.

Employers want to see how your unique path can contribute to their medical team’s mission. Make a list of past achievements and think about how they showcase skills such as adaptability, scientific curiosity, or the ability to translate evidence into action.

Your CV and cover letter should highlight these parallels clearly. Don’t shy away from unique experiences—they may be what sets you apart. Emphasize how your background brings fresh perspective.
Think beyond your title—your impact matters more than your job description. Whether you coordinated a clinical research trial or taught undergraduates, these moments reflect the core of MSL work: translating knowledge into understanding.

If you’ve worked with underserved populations, led community initiatives, or developed protocols under pressure, highlight that. These experiences speak to leadership, creativity, and impact.
Use your STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to turn passive experiences into active, memorable examples. Employers often look for initiative and problem-solving—two traits that are common in academia but underemphasized on CVs.

Step 2: Learn the Language of Industry

Get familiar with medical affairs terminology: KOLs, HEOR, real-world evidence (RWE), PI, MOA, product lifecycle. Use resources like MSL Society webinars, DIA, or regulatory sites like FDA.gov to better understand the industry’s language. Knowing how to interpret a clinical study’s primary endpoint or describe a mechanism of action will set you apart.

Immersing yourself in the language of industry helps you sound more confident and credible when speaking with recruiters. Invest in short courses, certifications, or attend virtual medical affairs boot camps to bridge the knowledge gap.

Reading industry white papers and following pharma trends can also make your conversations more relevant and informed. It’s also helpful to stay updated on recent drug approvals, major congress abstracts, and label expansions in your area of interest.

Bookmark drug pipelines and clinicaltrials.gov to stay updated on investigational agents in your therapeutic area of interest. These references can be used in interviews to show real-time awareness.
Familiarity with regulatory milestones like PDUFA dates, Fast Track, and Breakthrough Therapy designations can show depth of knowledge.

Even understanding how different teams like HEOR or PV interact with Medical Affairs can help you ask better questions in interviews. Podcasts and YouTube channels hosted by current MSLs or industry experts can also help demystify complex concepts in a relatable way.

Step 3: Build Your Digital Brand

LinkedIn is your gateway to visibility. Optimize your profile with industry-relevant keywords, highlight scientific projects, and share posts that demonstrate your thought leadership. Engage with MSLs and hiring managers by commenting on content, asking insightful questions, or sharing relevant articles. Consider writing posts that reflect your journey toward the MSL role or lessons learned in your research.
 

Consider using your “About” section on LinkedIn to tell your story and signal your readiness to transition into the industry. Endorse others and request recommendations from peers or professors to add credibility.

Recruiters often use LinkedIn to scout talent, so your digital brand can truly make a difference.
Be strategic about who you follow—industry experts, recruiters, and thought leaders often share job opportunities or helpful resources. Join groups that share interview tips and hiring announcements.
Consistent, meaningful engagement can help you build credibility before you ever apply. Showing consistency between your resume, cover letter, and online presence sends a strong signal that you’ve done your homework.

You can also post short video clips or infographics to explain key therapeutic concepts—this demonstrates communication skills.

Step 4: Seek Mentorship and Informational Interviews
MSLs love to talk about their journeys. Reach out to professionals via LinkedIn with short, respectful messages asking for a 15–20-minute chat. Prepare thoughtful questions, and always follow up with gratitude. Consider keeping a journal of what you learn from each conversation to refine your approach.
Joining professional associations or MSL communities can also expand your network and expose you to job leads.

A single conversation can change your entire perspective—or open doors you didn’t know existed.
Some professionals may even offer to review your resume or conduct a mock interview. If you can, attend networking events or conferences where MSLs and Medical Affairs professionals gather.
These interactions can lead to valuable relationships that may help you land your first role. Mentorship can clarify expectations and prevent common pitfalls.

Be humble and open when receiving feedback—it’s a learning opportunity. Don’t just collect names—build real relationships by following up with updates or asking for advice on specific challenges.
Your mentors may even recommend you internally when opportunities arise.

Step 5: Gain Field-Facing Experience
If you're still in academia, seek opportunities like attending medical congresses, working on investigator-initiated trials, or volunteering to liaise between research and patient advocacy groups. These show you understand external engagement.

Consider participating in student-run health education campaigns or presenting in multidisciplinary rounds. All of these efforts demonstrate initiative and a willingness to step into field-facing settings.
You could also shadow a clinical liaison or volunteer at industry-sponsored events to observe communication styles.

The goal is to show that you can operate effectively outside of a lab or hospital setting. Any activity that demonstrates relationship-building and scientific storytelling will be viewed positively by hiring managers.
Start documenting your experiences in a reflective journal—you’ll thank yourself during interviews.
Taking initiative to present journal club articles to non-specialist audiences is a great way to practice clear, impactful communication.

Think about how you adapted your communication depending on the audience and how those moments reflect the MSL mindset. The more experience you have adapting your tone and format to suit different audiences, the stronger a candidate you’ll become.

Practice delivering concise, non-promotional summaries of research—you'll be doing this often.

Conclusion:

Transitioning into the MSL role is possible without prior industry experience—it just requires strategic positioning of your background, a willingness to learn, and relationship-building. The field rewards curiosity, credibility, and compassion, all of which can be cultivated before your first day in pharma.
Keep refining your elevator pitch and make every touchpoint count. As you continue networking and learning, don’t underestimate the power of persistence. Your scientific voice matters—and the MSL role might be the perfect place to amplify it.

Every step you take now is an investment in your future role. Stay open to feedback and be flexible in your approach. Your ability to learn, adapt, and grow is just as important as your scientific knowledge.
With dedication, even the most unconventional path can lead to a fulfilling career as an MSL. You've already built a strong foundation—now it’s time to take the leap.

The transition is not only possible, it’s increasingly common. And the field needs diverse voices ready to engage, educate, and elevate healthcare outcomes.