An Interview with Marni James
When most scientists and healthcare professionals think about breaking into Medical Communications (MedComms), they picture one role: medical writing.
Medical writing was my way in to the industry and is the same for thousands of others working in this field. But whilst medical writing is an excellent career path (especially for those who enjoy scientific storytelling and dealing with scientific data), it’s not the only one available. See here for the different career paths in a typical MedComms agency.
In fact, one of the most overlooked (and in-demand) roles within MedComms is client services.
This part of the industry is ideal for people who enjoy strategy, communication, and project management. And for those who want to be in the centre of the tactics without necessarily writing the content themselves.
To give you a behind-the-scenes look, I spoke with one of my former coaching clients, Marni James, who successfully transitioned from a biomedical sciences background into a client services role at a leading global MedComms agency.
In this interview, she shares what the role is really like, how her science background helps, and what others should know before applying.
Meet Marni: From Biomedical Science to Client Services
Q: What’s your current role and how has your science background helped?
Marni:
I’m currently working as an Account Executive in the client services team at a MedComms agency. We support global clients across multiple therapy areas, and our job is to manage projects, timelines, communications, and delivery. Making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Before working in MedComms, I graduated from university with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Through the course of my studies I discovered I was far more interested in how scientific information was communicated than the generation of scientific knowledge.
Although a background in science isn’t required to work on the client services side of MedComms my science knowledge has helped more than I expected. Whilst I’m not writing content myself, I do need to understand scientific materials quickly so I can brief our internal teams effectively, speak confidently with clients, and make sure we’re aligned on goals. Having a biomedical sciences degree means I can speak the language of the writers and the clients, even if I’m not doing the writing directly.
Breaking In: What Helped Marni Get the Role
Q: What helped you break into MedComms?
Marni:
At first, I honestly didn’t know how to get in. I applied to a few roles but didn’t hear much back. I didn’t understand the industry well enough to tailor my applications, and it was frustrating.
That’s when I reached out for help.
Working with Vicky gave me structure, direction, and clarity. I learned about all the different roles within MedComms, not just writing. Once I saw how well client services matched my strengths (organisation, problem-solving, communication), things clicked. We refined my CV, prepped for interviews, and most importantly, helped me feel confident in what I was aiming for.
The result? I received multiple job offers and could choose the one that truly felt like the right fit for me.
Inside the Role: A Typical Week in Client Services
Q: What does your week usually look like in this role?
Marni:
It’s busy, varied, and fast-paced. Which I love.
A typical week might include:
- Daily contact with clients to check on timelines, needs, and deliverables
- Coordinating internal teams (medical writers, designers, editors)
- Reviewing materials for consistency and alignment with client objectives
- Managing project budgets and tracking scope
- Troubleshooting anything that pops up unexpectedly
You’re essentially the project’s anchor point. You have to know what’s going on at all times and keep everyone aligned, from the client to your internal teams. It’s a real mix of planning, communication, and adapting on the fly.
Career Progression: Where Can Client Services Take You?
Q: What’s the typical progression path in client services?
Marni:
It’s quite structured, which makes it easy to visualise where you’re going.
You typically start as an Account Executive, then move into Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, and eventually Account Director. At each level, you take on more responsibility. From handling projects to managing people, portfolios, and client relationships at a strategic level.
There are also options to branch into business development, operations, or agency leadership if you want to. Because client services expose you to the full landscape, you develop a well-rounded understanding of how the agency works.
Advice for New Starters: Marni’s Top Tips
Q: Any advice for others trying to break in?
Marni:
Yes, here’s what I’d tell anyone starting this journey:
- Be open to more than writing. MedComms is bigger than most people think. There are creative teams, client teams, editorial roles, and more. All playing a vital role in delivering great work.
- Know your strengths. If you’re organised, good with people, and enjoy solving problems, then client services could be perfect for you.
- Reach out and talk to people. LinkedIn is full of professionals willing to share insights. Ask them about their roles, what their day looks like, what surprised them. These conversations are highly valuable.
- Tailor your CV. Don’t just copy-paste your academic CV. Highlight transferable skills like communication, time management, collaboration, and attention to detail.
Invest in clarity. Coaching helped me see where I could thrive, not just what was “available.” That helped me succeed.
Why This Matters
Marni’s story is a great reminder that MedComms isn’t just for medical writers. Your science background can be applied in more ways than one.
If you’re coming out of academia or healthcare and want a career where your strengths are valued, client services could be that path.
It offers growth, variety, and the chance to be in the centre of the action, without writing full-time, if this is your preference.
And just like with Marni, the right support, strategy, and self-awareness can make the transition smoother than you think.
Curious which MedComms role could be right for you?
Explore more free resources on the blog or join the newsletter for upcoming insights, tools, and career support. Sign up here: www.biomedbadass.com/subscribe