What Type Of Person Thrives In The Clinical Research Industry According To A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator At UCLA Health
Cindy, a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, identifies a "huge growth mindset" and an "eye for innovation" as crucial for success in the ever-evolving clinical research industry; individuals who thrive embrace new technologies and challenges, viewing each new trial and platform as an opportunity for growth, rather than becoming "stagnant" in their roles.
Growth Mindset, Innovation, Excitement for Scientific Research, Adaptability, Continuous Learning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cindy Tong
Sr. Clinical Trial Coordinator
UCLA Health, Hematology/Oncology
UCLA, 2017
UCLA FEMBA 2026
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Research and Development (R&D)
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. A growth mindset is crucial for thriving in the clinical research industry, as it is constantly evolving. Those who embrace new challenges, technologies, and platforms are more likely to succeed.
2. Excitement for scientific research, new patients, and the potential for improvement within the field are key characteristics of those who thrive.
3. A willingness to continuously learn new skills and adapt to new technologies (such as data analytics platforms) is essential for long-term career success in this dynamic field. Stagnation can hinder growth and advancement.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
I've also thought about this a lot. I like to think that I work really hard to improve my own skills and knowledge within the industry I'm currently in. It's ever-evolving, ever-changing, with so much excitement in every aspect.
There are new drugs, new pharmaceutical companies, and even new patients and physicians. It's always very "new, new, new." I do think that the people who thrive the most in this industry also have an eye for innovation.
It's not necessarily that you will be the champion of this innovation, but it's also recognizing that clinical research has very strict rules and regulations, yet there is still room for improvement, like anywhere. Always kind of just keeping your eye on the prize.
This sounds crazy because there is no one cure for cancer just yet. But just having the excitement for scientific research, for having new patients, and for new things in your workspace is important.
Personally, I might think, "Oh, I could develop, I could be a little more patient now." Or maybe, "I want to learn a new skill within clinical research." Perhaps I want to lean more towards the management side, or learn something about health analytics.
I do think having a huge growth mindset is very important because I have seen people become very stagnant and comfortable with their jobs. Within two to three years, nothing's going to change, and that's fine for some. But if people want to make it a career, they definitely have to go with the new technologies that are out there.
For example, with data analytics, we have new platforms that come out every year. People in the past have been so guarded about learning these new things, which I personally don't understand. But those who thrive definitely take the challenge.
It's true that you kind of start anew with every trial, every new platform, and everything. But I guess that's what keeps it exciting, and that's why we call it research. If we already had the answer, there would be no research.