Name: Laura Chambers (she/her)
PhD: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, 2022
What was your main area of research?
I studied how hypertension influences vascular dementia development.
What is your current job?
I am a Medical Science Liaison for Alimera Sciences in Lansing, MI.
I build relationships with key opinion leaders and healthcare providers and exchange scientific information.
My favorite parts are that the schedule is incredibly flexible and compensation is good.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I found this position through networking.
PhD Graduate ➡️ Medical Science Liaison
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
I always knew academia wasn't for me. The work/life balance is not great, and I didn't want the stress of always having to apply for grants.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
To be an MSL, interpersonal and scientific communication skills are critical. I recommend practicing your presentation skills at every opportunity possible.
Network through LinkedIn and conduct informational interviews. Spend time finding alumni from your institution that have entered your desired career field. In my experience, connecting with alumni is a powerful tool to network.
In your resume, highlight experience in interpersonal skills over your research accomplishments, as these are more important for an MSL position. Include achievements from graduate student organizations, clubs, times you were able to take initiative and influence decisions, etc.