"In my first position out of my Ph.D. program, I had to face a difficult decision where a colleague, who had become a good friend, was utilizing company property in an unethical manner. Knowing that our friendship could be jeopardized, I did the right thing and decided to report the behavior to our director. Prior to doing so, I did give him the heads up that I was going to report this. He completely understood and asked if he could approach our director to report the misuse first. While he did have some harsh consequences, I'm very happy with how the situation played out."

Honesty and integrity are key traits to possess as a successful MSL. Prior to your interview, think back to a time when your integrity was challenged on the job. Clearly describe the situation, your thought process, and the action you took to ensure you handled the situation with integrity. If you are a new grad, think of a time when your honesty was challenged and you made the right choice in the end.