By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Can you reach out to someone you’ve never met, get them to respond, and turn that interaction into a real relationship?

That’s what networking actually is.

And if you want to land an MSL job, networking isn’t optional.

Networking is a required skill for the job search (here are 3 benefits of networking when searching for an MSL job). Not only that it is REQUIRED for being an MSL. Olympic-level networking and relationship building is what separates average MSLs from top performers.

Does this give you anxiety? No worries, people are not born good at networking. It is something that is learned. MSLs tend to love learning. Approach networking like you would any other topic you want to learn about: as a skill that you can practice and master.

To help you improve your networking skills, here are real-life examples of how to network. These are actual messages that people sent to me and why they worked.

3 Real Networking Messages From Aspiring MSLs That Got a Response 

Example #1: The “I Did My Homework” Message

Here’s why this networking message worked. This person:

1. Took the time to read my blog posts. Everyone who puts something out into the world wants other people to read it. Referencing someone's work is a great way to start a conversation.
2. Gave a genuine compliment. Compliments go a long way. What's the saying? Compliments get you everywhere 🤣?
3.  Referenced something specific I wrote, showing she really read the article.
4. Found a thoughtful way to connect with me.

Since this message, I have sent several resources and connected her with an MSL hiring manager! When you do your homework and make the message about the other person, they will be more likely to help you.

That’s the power of doing your homework before reaching out.

Example #2: Keep Your Networking Message Short (No Novels!)

This example echoes a lot of what was great in the above example:

1. He read my content and referred to it.
2. Demonstrated that he actually read my LinkedIn profile.

A lot of people reach out to me and do not do any research on me. Showing that you did your homework will open up doors. Since this message, I gave free career advice and have sent countless MSL job listings and resources.

Example #3: The Rare Networking Message - Offering Help

This is the best example of them all. This person:

1. Reads my content and complimented me on it.
2. Shows genuine interest in me.
3. Actually offers help.

A message like this is really rare. Most people do not offer help. They make the outreach all about them. Level up the offering help networking approach with this easy trick.

Most networking messages start with “Can you help me?”

The rare messages that stand out ask:

“Is there any way I can help you?”

The Networking Rule Most People Miss

The most important networking rule is simple:

Make the message about the other person.

If you’re thinking, “Okay… but what do I actually say and when should I send these messages?” — that’s exactly what we break down in the Networking Without the Awkward workshop.

Do your homework. Read their content. Understand their background. Then reach out with a thoughtful message that shows genuine interest.

Don't forget my trick of offering help. This is such a good way to get people's attention.

Whether you are trying to land your first MSL job or already working in Medical Affairs, doing your homework on the other person and making it all about them will help you network and build relationships.

What are your best networking tips? Reach out to me on LinkedIn and/or share with us on the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page.

MSL Networking FAQ

How do you network for an MSL job?

Networking works best when you have a clear MSL job search strategy first. If you don’t know which therapeutic areas, companies, or roles fit your background, your outreach will be unfocused.

That’s exactly what we cover in the MSL Job Search Game Plan workshop, a 60-min session that helps you define what roles to target, which TAs fit your background, and how to build a focused job search strategy. This workshop is $97 dollars but it should seriously cost $5000+. It will save you so much time!

Once you know your strategy, networking becomes much more effective.

What should I say in a networking message?

Start with the examples above. Then add your own context and personalize them.

If you want help drafting your outreach, you can also paste your message into Mira, our AI assistant trained on MSL Mastery frameworks, and ask her to refine the wording.

You can also see examples of how to use AI in this article how to use ChatGPT for your MSL job search.

Is networking really necessary to become an MSL?

Omg, yes! Many MSL roles are filled through referrals or internal connections. Building relationships with people already working in Medical Affairs can significantly increase your chances of getting interviews. 

Not only that, networking is one of the main duties of being an MSL and in Medical Affairs. If you think you won't have to network anymore after breaking into an MSL role, you should really reconsider this career path. 

Where can I learn more about breaking into the MSL role?

If you're serious about landing your first MSL role, the Aspire MSL program provides a step-by-step roadmap, including networking strategies, informational interview guidance, and more real examples of successful outreach.

Plus we meet 6 times per month, have a sweet super charged AI chatbot (SuperMira), and give you live feedback on your practice presentation.