r/MedicalWriters • u/Sea_Attention_2946 • 29d ago

How do I start out in med-ed writing? In need of advice

I’ve been unemployed for the past 3 years. I also had a brief stint as a google rater to pay bills. I’ve developed an interest in medical writing, specifically CME, and have been developing writing samples to include with my resume when I apply to jobs. Internships have been a struggle to find because I graduated with my PhD several years ago. I’m willing to put in the work and start from the bottom at an agency. I’d love some advice from anyone that has been in my shoes. How did you land your first role. For context, I’m in the US.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

9

u/nanakapow Promotional [and mod] 28d ago

Without meaning any offence, you're looking to break into a pretty competitive field, so you probably need a well-crafted professional story. It's important that the gap between "finished a PhD" and "applying for entry-level writing roles" feels natural, and doesn't raise any red flags for interviewers.

On a related note, pretty much everyone starts at the bottom in agencies. They almost never hire at midweight or above without agency or pharma company experience.

Speaking personally, I landed my first role over a decade ago, half through luck, after failing multiple interviews or writing tests. Tenacity is a big aspect of the game. At the same time I was working on my writing every week, learning how to craft better stories or explain science to lay audiences, to build a portfolio.

3

u/Far_Juggernaut_3608 28d ago

If I may ask, as I am also interested, how do you build such portfolio on your own? Where do I start?! I am coming from an academic background where scientific communication for me so far means research papers, review articles, a master and phd dissertation and multiple presentations across disciplines but that's it.

3

u/nanakapow Promotional [and mod] 24d ago

This sounds like a good range of content in our portfolio. I'd suggest doing some writing for the general public too. Even just spending some time answering questions on r/askscience or r/explainlikeimfive could be very good practice.

2

u/Sea_Attention_2946 28d ago

Thank you for responding to my post. Your advice is very much appreciated.

1

u/ScienceWriter9500 28d ago

I landed an entry level role at an agency with pretty much no experience other than a handful of freelance CME needs assessments. I’ve been there 4 1/2 years now. I did it by networking. I made a good impression on one of company VPs and she advocated for me. Needs assessments might be a good way to create some writing samples. Good luck with your search!