The Power of Transferable Skills: Building Your Path to a Successful MSL Career
Jan 08, 2026
Breaking into a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role is one of the most competitive transitions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Advanced degree holders such as PharmDs, PhDs, and MDs, often hear that they lack “direct experience” or “industry experience” when applying to their first MSL position. The reality is that very few candidates have prior MSL experience before landing the role. What separates those who succeed is their ability to clearly identify and communicate transferable skills.
This article explores what transferable skills are, why they matter in medical affairs, and how you can leverage your unique background to position yourself as a strong MSL candidate.
Why Transferable Skills Matter
Transferable skills are competencies that apply across multiple roles, industries, or contexts. For aspiring MSLs, these skills bridge the gap between academic or clinical experience and field-based medical affairs work.
Understanding and showcasing these skills is critical because:
- Hiring managers want to see potential. They know you will need training (and that’s a normal part of the MSL onboarding process), but they want evidence that you already have the foundation to succeed.
- Competition is fierce. Hundreds of applicants may apply for a single MSL opening. Highlighting transferable skills helps you stand out in a crowded field.
- The MSL role is multidimensional. Success is not just about scientific knowledge. It also requires communication, relationship building, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
When you frame your experience through the lens of transferable skills, you show employers that you are not starting from zero. Instead, you are bringing proven competencies that will allow you to ramp up quickly.
Core Transferable Skills for Aspiring MSLs
- Scientific Communication
At its heart, the MSL role is about translating complex science into clear, accurate, and engaging discussions with healthcare professionals.
How you already have this skill:
- Teaching or presenting as a graduate student, resident, or fellow
- Delivering patient education in a clinical setting
- Leading journal clubs or research presentations
- Writing abstracts, posters, or publications
How it translates to MSL success:
As an MSL, you will use these same abilities to discuss clinical trial data, explain mechanisms of action, and adapt your language to diverse audiences.
- Relationship Building
MSLs are trusted scientific partners to healthcare providers at the top of their field or specialty, also referred to as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). This requires genuine relationship-building skills.
How you already have this skill:
- Collaborating across interdisciplinary teams in a hospital or lab
- Developing rapport with patients and caregivers
- Building professional networks through conferences or associations
- Mentoring peers or junior colleagues
How it translates to MSL success:
Strong interpersonal skills help you establish credibility with KOLs, maintain long-term trust, and act as a valued bridge between the field and your company’s medical affairs team.
- Analytical Thinking and Data Interpretation
Scientific exchange is only impactful if you can analyze and interpret data effectively.
How you already have this skill:
- Conducting clinical research or lab experiments
- Analyzing clinical trial results for coursework or publications
- Evaluating patient outcomes in practice
- Preparing data-driven reports or presentations
How it translates to MSL success:
As an MSL, you will be expected to interpret study results quickly, identify clinical significance, and respond to scientific questions with accuracy and confidence.
- Territory and Project Management
MSLs manage their own territories, schedules, and priorities. That independence requires strong organizational skills.
How you already have this skill:
- Balancing research, coursework, and teaching
- Coordinating patient care across multiple providers
- Leading group projects with deadlines
- Planning conferences, seminars, or chapter activities
How it translates to MSL success:
Your ability to manage multiple responsibilities will help you thrive in a field-based role where you control your daily schedule while still meeting company objectives.
- Compliance and Ethical Judgment
Pharma and biotech are highly regulated industries. MSLs must balance scientific exchange with strict compliance.
How you already have this skill:
- Following IRB or IACUC protocols in research
- Adhering to HIPAA requirements in clinical practice
- Understanding conflict of interest policies in academia
- Upholding professional codes of ethics in healthcare settings
How it translates to MSL success:
Your prior experience with compliance frameworks demonstrates that you can operate responsibly within medical affairs guidelines.
- Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Science evolves rapidly, and MSLs must stay current while adjusting to changing priorities.
How you already have this skill:
- Learning new technologies or research methods
- Adapting to unexpected clinical or experimental outcomes
- Staying up to date with guidelines and standards of care
- Navigating transitions in academic or professional settings
How it translates to MSL success:
Your proven adaptability shows hiring managers that you can thrive in a fast-paced and evolving therapeutic landscape.
How to Highlight Transferable Skills in Your MSL Applications
Knowing your transferable skills is only half the battle. You must also learn to showcase them effectively.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Do not simply list responsibilities from past roles. Instead, frame them in terms of outcomes and competencies. For example:
- Instead of “Presented research at journal club,” write “Delivered clear and engaging scientific presentations to peers, demonstrating strong communication and data interpretation skills.”
- Instead of “Managed patient cases,” write “Coordinated interdisciplinary care plans, highlighting relationship building and project management abilities.”
Prepare Behavioral Interview Examples
Hiring managers often use behavioral questions to assess soft skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate transferable skills.
- Example: Describe a time you had to present complex data to a non-expert audience. How did you adapt your message, and what was the outcome?
Align with MSL Competency Frameworks
Organizations such as the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) have published MSL competency models. Reviewing these can help you align your transferable skills with recognized industry standards.
Common Misconceptions About Transferable Skills
- “I need direct MSL experience to get hired.” Not true. Transferable skills are exactly how most people land their first MSL role.
- “Only clinical or research experience counts.” Not true. Teaching, mentoring, writing, and leadership roles can all provide relevant transferable skills.
- “Hiring managers will automatically see the connection.” Not true. You must make the link explicit in your application and interviews.
Final Thoughts
Transferable skills are the key to unlocking an MSL career. They allow you to bridge the gap between your current background and the requirements of a field-based medical affairs role. By identifying, refining, and communicating these skills effectively, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate even without prior industry experience.
Remember, companies are not only hiring you for what you have done in the past. They are hiring you for the value you can bring to their medical affairs team in the future.
At The MSL Academy, we specialize in helping aspiring MSLs identify and leverage their transferable skills to land their first role and thrive in the field. Our Excel Into MSL™ Platinum Program provides mentorship, resume support, interview preparation, and insider knowledge that gives you a competitive edge in the US job market.
If you are ready to turn your transferable skills into an MSL career, explore our Platinum Program today and take the first step toward your future in medical affairs.
