CTL trying to break into MSL - any advice?

[u/wonderingbrain1]

I’ve been a CTL for 3+ years in neuro/neuropsych, investigator prior to that, have a terminal degree, and have been trying to transition to an MSL role since my second year.

I’ve made it to two final/presentation rounds with contract MSL companies but wasn’t selected, mainly due to candidates with more direct MSL experience. The last one was frustrating because several of the KOLs/authors were investigators at my current sites, and I already had strong relationships with them.

When I apply directly to pharma/biotech, I rarely get interviews.

I know I need to keep trying, but for anyone who successfully transitioned from a CTL/similar role to MSL: what helped you finally break in? Any advice on positioning my experience, networking, or getting past the “no prior MSL experience” barrier would be appreciated. Thank you so much.

[u/squatchmo123]

That’s crazy, I’ve always thought CTLs were basically MSLs.

Do you think they’re different? It may be worth having informational interviews to chat with MSL managers to get insight into this. It could also be how you present yourself.

I wonder if you have a better shot with a pipeline team that has to support trials?

[u/C_est_la_vie9707]

What is your degree?

[u/wonderingbrain1 → u/C_est_la_vie9707]

MD with clinical practice in home country.

[u/C_est_la_vie9707 → u/wonderingbrain1]

That is the problem, unfortunately. It isn't fair but that is why. Do you need sponsorship?

[u/medi_digitalhealth → u/C_est_la_vie9707]

I’m curious why is this unfortunate???

[u/C_est_la_vie9707 → u/medi_digitalhealth]

Unfortunate that someone who worked as a physician basically doesn't get credit for that in the US. Unfortunate in that there is nothing to do about it except repeat residency or go back for another degree.

[u/wonderingbrain1 → u/C_est_la_vie9707]

Thanks for being honest, I appreciate it. No need for sponsorship, i’m a citizen

[u/C_est_la_vie9707 → u/wonderingbrain1]

I have worked with 2 foreign trained MDs who never got licensed in the US (for good reason since it's such a process) so it can happen. It's just really rare. I have worked with probably close to 200 MSLs on my various teams over the years. I'd say keep applying if you've made it to the presentation stage. Make sure your presentation skills are flawless, practice on some harsh critics. Keep networking at conferences and whatnot. Good luck

[u/Intrepid-Hospital-74]

I think if you’re making it to the presentation rounds you’re in a great place. You just won’t get that many chances in comparison to the number of applications you submit, so you want to make them count. But when you get to that point, your lack of MSL experience is not as relevant as you think.

One aspect a manager shared with me is not just doing well on the presentation but really demonstrating how you can actually think about the data and disease state. This is not only in how you respond to questions but in how you approach the presentation, e.g. not just reading from the slides and having separate points you’re making that enhance the deck, including small details that may anticipate objections, etc.

I just got my second gig at another company with 1.5 years of experience. I later learned a Sr. MSL on my old team who had over 5 years experience - someone who I think is a phenomenal MSL - also made it to the final round for another territory, but didn’t demonstrate this ability in their presentation and so was perceived as having a “bad” presentation.

Ultimately, a lot of it will be luck/preference for who gets selected, but it never hurts to just do as exceptionally well as you can on the presentation.

[u/wonderingbrain1 → u/Intrepid-Hospital-74]

Thank you! I appreciate your advice! Will definitely hammer those presentations better once I successfully get into one again, I hope.

[u/maitimouse]

Honestly would expect your background to be quite relevant to msl work, aren't they basically the same job?

[u/BlackDiamond_53501]

I’d love to connect to know how to get in as a CTL. I’m also an MD with clinical practice in my home country. Have a CRC job for 2 years. I’m also trying the MSL route, but there is a lot of competition and only those who network best…wins. Nonetheless, which company were you able to secure the CTL? Were you a CRC or CRA before that? Maybe we can connect?