The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break Into Your First Role Paperback – January 11, 2014

Have you ever set out on a specific journey in your car or maybe even gone on a hike...and at some point in the process you were happy that you had a map that showed you how to get there? Maybe a map that someone made who has been down the same road as you? Or maybe that someone is actually waiting for you at your destination and knows exactly what you should expect?If you are searching for a pathway to becoming an MSL this book may provide that roadmap for which you have been searching!Let me break things down for you and tell you what the book is and what the book is not.First, what the book IS NOT about:* As the title of the book implies, it is not a book about how to be a successful as an MSL although certainly clues could be inferred in much of the text. It is about understanding and breaking into the field.* The book is not a substitute for work. It may, however, save you from performing unnecessary tasks and it may save you from doing the right thing the wrong way. But you, the job seeker, must still do the work. Much like a map on a hike, your legs still have to do the walking to where the guide tells you to go.Second, this is what the book IS about:* There are four parts to the book:Part 1 - The Medical Science Liaison Role - This section serves as the base for understanding the historical roles of the MSL in the pharmaceutical industry and it suggests the evolution of the role as we move forward.Part 2 - The MSL Job Search Strategy - This section is about doing your homework. Research everything. And it describes HOW you should conduct your research including the use of social networking. And equally important, an extensive review is given on crafting your CV and your cover letter. This area was especially important to me since I had been with the same company for nearly 2 decades and we didn't need CVs and cover letters to break into our fields. Again, I want to stress that it is up to you to do the research and to work on the CV and the cover letter...the book merely gives you a guide for what the hiring manager looks for in those documents. I have helped many students over the years to craft their documents and to have the visual appeal of their resumes and CVs but the book suggests some good pointers and highlights what will appeal to the hiring manager.Part 3 - The MSL Hiring Process - This section is largely self-explanatory regarding how to conduct phone screenings, phone interviews, and in-person interviews. The section, however, is still highly relevant. It serves as a primer for questions to think about. It also serves as sort of a checklist to make sure your "I's" are dotted and your "T's" are crossed. Imagine you are going on vacation and you pack everything. Or at least you thought you did. When you arrive at the hotel you realized you left your toothbrush and deodorant at home. Seems obvious to pack those two things, right? But we have all forgotten things like that on vacation. The difference, however, is that on vacation, you can go somewhere and pick up a toothbrush. In this case, with all the prep that you have taken (researching, crafting your documents, etc.), you don't want to be awarded an interview and not have your ducks in a row.Part 4 - Appendices - Useful information summarized in the final 10 pages.In summary, the book is easy to read. If you are motivated, you can properly display and market your skills with the techniques in this book. I plan on updating this evaluation as I continue on my journey.Maybe there will be a sequel that will hit the shelves for "How to Be Successful in the MSL Role"???

I found immense value in Dr. Samuel Dyer's "The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break into Your First Role, 2nd Edition". As a seasoned MSL, this book reaffirmed my love for the profession and is an essential read for aspiring MSLs. It transcends a simple guide, serving as mentorship in print, resonating with both novices and experienced professionals.My journey into the MSL profession began in 2014, a leap into a then-unknown territory. That same year marked the release of Dyer's first edition. This second edition, significantly expanded, is a testament to Dyer's dedication, compiling insights from 545 MSLs and 185 hiring managers. It's more than a guide; it's a comprehensive strategy and step-by-step toolkit for successfully breaking into the MSL role.Dyer's mentorship is evident throughout, providing a roadmap through the complexities of the MSL role. I deeply appreciate the robust evidence base, reflecting hundreds of interviews and surveys. This isn't just advice; it's a proven strategy from a trusted mentor, offering a 360-degree view of the MSL landscape. I highly recommend this guide to anyone aspiring to break into the MSL field. Dr. Dyer's insights are invaluable, fostering informed decisions and professional growth.

I have been a practicing pharmacist for many years. I have a PharmD degree and I was ready to move my career into the pharmaceutical industry. There is a position within the pharmaceutical industry called Medical Science Liaison (MSL). In order to transition from pharmacy practice to a MSL I felt I needed all the guidance I could get. I personally used Dr. Dyer's book for this purpose to give me an inside edge on the competition. I really liked the book as it consolidated all of the information a person would need to land themselves an MSL position and be successful through the interview process. I was very pleased with the book as it brought together so many important points that would have taken me countless hours to try and find otherwise and shed light on topics that I would have never thought of.I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of moving into an MSL role. Like I said it digs deep into the process involved in getting hired as an MSL. It looks at the history of the position, how to narrow down MSL positions, how to write the cover letter and resume/CV, what to say and do at the interview, and even makes suggestions for your appearance. The book encompasses everything a person would need to be successful. Its also nice to have a resource to refer back and review to when needed.On a last note, I want to say that before purchasing the book I reached out to the author, Dr. Samuel Dyer. He was tremendously helpful and supportive and continues to give me advice as I pursue my own goals. Dr. Dyer is very genuine and serious about helping people succeed. Do not hesitate getting this book, it will help you on your journey.

Dr. Samuel Dyer's “The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break Into Your First Role” is an outstanding resource. It provides invaluable insights, practical advice, and proven strategies for aspiring Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). Covering everything from the application process to mastering essential skills, this guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for entering the highly competitive MSL field. It's an essential read for anyone serious about starting a career as a Medical Science Liaison!"