How to Break Into an MSL Role Without Industry Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide

For aspiring professionals with scientific training and a passion for meaningful healthcare impact, the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role is often considered the ultimate career goal. The MSL position allows you to merge science, communication, and strategy, all while making a real-world difference in the lives of patients and the clinicians who serve them.

However, if you are trying to land your first MSL position and do not have direct industry experience, the path may feel unclear. You are not alone. This is one of the most common challenges I hear from PharmDs, PhDs, and MDs, and other clinicians who are eager to enter the field but unsure how to get their foot in the door.

The good news? You absolutely can become an MSL without prior pharma or biotech experience–if you are strategic, proactive, and prepared.

In this blog, I will walk you through exactly how to break into an MSL role without industry experience. Think of this as your personal roadmap to move from “aspiring” to “interviewing,” and eventually to “hired.”

What Is a Medical Science Liaison and Why Is It So Competitive?

An MSL is a scientific and clinical expert who communicates with healthcare professionals, especially Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), about disease states, therapeutic areas, and ongoing or upcoming research. MSLs are field-based, non-promotional members of the medical affairs team, meaning they educate rather than sell.

The role is highly sought after because it offers:

• Autonomy and flexibility
• Intellectual engagement with cutting-edge science
• High earning potential (typically six figures)
• Influence on clinical trials, research, and scientific strategy
  
  

Because of these benefits, the demand is high and the competition is fierce, particularly for those who are new to the industry.

Can You Become an MSL Without Industry Experience?

Yes, you can. However, you must demonstrate two things:

1. That you have the scientific acumen and communication skills required for the role
2. That you understand the expectations, language, and compliance standards of the medical affairs function

Let us break this down step by step.

Step 1: Clarify Your Why

Before applying, you must ask yourself: Why do I want to become an MSL?

Your motivation will drive your preparation and fuel your persistence. Hiring managers can tell when you are chasing a job versus pursuing a purposeful career. Reflect on the aspects of the MSL role that genuinely excite you, whether that is scientific exchange, relationship building, or contributing to research innovation.

Write down your “why” and refer to it throughout your journey. It will keep you grounded.

Step 2: Identify Transferable Skills

Just because you have not been an MSL does not mean you lack the skills. Many clinical, academic, or research-based roles include MSL-aligned competencies.

Examples of transferable experience:

• Presenting data at conferences or grand rounds
• Writing or interpreting peer-reviewed research
• Mentoring or educating students or clinicians
• Leading clinical trial operations or site management
• Building relationships with interdisciplinary teams

In your resume and interviews, frame these experiences in MSL language. For example:

• “Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to optimize clinical outcomes”
• “Synthesized clinical data and presented to external stakeholders during advisory meetings”

This language matters. Learn it, use it, and own it.

Step 3: Build Scientific Fluency in a Therapeutic Area

One of the top reasons candidates are passed over is lack of therapeutic area depth. Start building your expertise now, especially in areas where MSL hiring is active (oncology, immunology, rare disease, neurology, cardiology, dermatology, etc.).

How to strengthen your therapeutic fluency:

• Subscribe to top journals in your chosen area
• Follow KOLs and researchers on LinkedIn
• Read pivotal clinical trials (e.g., Phase III studies)
• Use ClinicalTrials.gov to stay current on pipeline therapies

During the interview process, you should be able to answer: 

• What is the mechanism of action for our lead asset?
• What / who are the major competitors in this space?
• What are some clinical gaps or unmet needs in this disease state?

Step 4: Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Recruiters spend seconds scanning your resume. Make every line count.

Tips for a standout MSL resume:

• Lead with a strong summary focused on MSL-aligned skills (e.g., scientific communication, stakeholder engagement, data analysis)
• Highlight therapeutic area knowledge
• Showcase research, publications, or teaching experience
• Use pharma-specific keywords: "scientific exchange," "medical affairs," "cross-functional collaboration," "KOL engagement," "clinical data"

For LinkedIn:

• Use a professional headshot
• Write a headline that clearly states your goal (e.g., “Aspiring MSL | PharmD with Oncology Research Experience”)
• Include a concise, compelling ‘About’ section
• Connect and engage with current MSLs and medical affairs leaders

Step 5: Practice Your Scientific Communication

The most important skill an MSL must demonstrate, especially during the interview process, is the ability to explain complex scientific information clearly and confidently.

You will likely be asked to:

• Deliver a scientific presentation
• Participate in role plays
• Answer questions about a trial or disease state

How to prepare:

• Choose a peer-reviewed article and build a 10-minute slide deck
• Practice delivering it as if to a group of physicians or researchers
• Record yourself and evaluate clarity, body language, and tone
• Work with a mentor or coach to improve

Step 6: Learn the Compliance Boundaries

Medical affairs operates within strict regulatory and legal boundaries. You must understand the difference between:

• Promotional vs. non-promotional communication
• On-label vs. off-label discussion
• What MSLs can and cannot say to healthcare professionals

Study the PhRMA Code, FDA guidance on medical communication, and any relevant regional compliance rules. Recruiters will ask how you would handle off-label questions, so be prepared with a confident and compliant response.

Step 7: Network Strategically

Many aspiring MSLs make the mistake of only applying online. The truth? Relationships open doors.

Start by:

• Following MSLs and medical affairs professionals on LinkedIn
• Engaging with their posts (comment thoughtfully, not just “great post”)
• Reaching out with personalized messages that include a clear ask (e.g., “Would you be open to a 15-minute chat about your MSL journey?”)
• Attending webinars, virtual conferences, or industry events
• Joining The MSL Academy’s community and mentorship programs

Networking is not about asking for a job. It is about learning, building rapport, and staying top-of-mind for when opportunities arise.

Step 8: Apply Strategically (Not Blindly)

When you are ready to apply, be intentional. Do not submit 100 applications without tailoring them. Choose 10 to 15 roles that align with your skills, therapeutic interests, and geography, then go deep.

Before applying, ask yourself:

• Do I meet at least 50 to 75% of the requirements?
• Can I tailor my resume to reflect their needs? This is a requirement for success. 
• Do I know someone at the company who can provide insight or refer me?

Follow up after applying, and continue building relationships with those involved in hiring.

Step 9: Prepare for the Interview Process

The MSL interview process often includes:

• A recruiter phone screen
• A hiring manager video call
• A scientific presentation (10–15 minutes)
• Role-play or behavioral questions
• A final interview with the director or leadership team

Prepare by practicing answers to questions like:

• “Why do you want to be an MSL?”
• “How would you handle an off-label question from a KOL?”
• “Describe a time you presented data to a challenging audience.”
• “How do you stay current with the literature?”

Work with a coach or program (like The MSL Academy) to get mock interview feedback and refine your delivery.

Step 10: Do Not Give Up and Stay Consistent

Breaking into your first MSL role can take 3 to 12 months, especially without direct industry experience. Expect rejection. Expect silence. But do not interpret it as a final no.

The people who succeed are the ones who keep learning, keep networking, and keep showing up.

Final Thoughts: You Can Become an MSL, Even Without Experience

The Medical Science Liaison role is not reserved for the lucky few who already “have experience.” It is available to those who commit to the process, build the right skills, and position themselves strategically.

Yes, the learning curve is steep. Yes, it is competitive. But you are not starting from zero, you are starting with scientific knowledge, clinical experience, and a willingness to grow.

Use that foundation, follow these steps, and you will be well on your way to launching your MSL career.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are ready to stop guessing and start progressing, we invite you to join our flagship training program.

🎓 The MSL Academy’s Excel Into MSL™ Platinum Program is designed to give you everything you need to:

• Build a standout MSL resume and LinkedIn profile
• Develop therapeutic area fluency and scientific storytelling skills
• Master the scientific presentation
• Ace interviews with mock coaching and insider insights
• Get connected with current MSLs, mentors, and hiring managers

This program has helped many aspiring MSLs land their first role, even without prior industry experience. 

Your MSL journey starts now. Let us help you take the first (and most important) step!