It is a common question from aspiring MSL, what degree do I need to break into the MSL role.

It is interesting to see that despite Terminal D degree being the most common answer 66% with 17% having a double Terminal D degree (e.g. MD/PhD, PharmD/PhD); 25% of the MSLs surveyed had a Masters and 8% a Bachelors as...

A third thinks it is overrated, another are not sure of the value (yet), and another third says it is needed to climb the corporate ladder. 4% thinks it is a must!

Here are some of your comments:

1. There are so many things to upskill on, not sure the MBA is number one. I would maybe start with clinical trial...

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...

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...

Thank you to those who voted. Almost 44% would share their current salary.
Below we captured some of the best comments from recruiters, hiring managers and MSLs on how best to handle this difficult question and maximize your salary negotiation. Feel free to comment if we missed anything.

• Answer a question with a...

Many people ask us what degree do you need to become a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)?

This really depends on the company and country you are in. 

Globally the most abundant background of MSLs are the researchers and the pharmacists. Researchers’ background can be BSc, MSc or PhD. While pharmacists can be...