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Kimberly, Clinical Research Associate at Public Biotech Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in clinical research offers a dynamic and rewarding path, as evidenced by a Clinical Research Associate's journey.
A biopsychology degree and neuroscience research experience launched a career in biotech startups, contributing to early R&D and clinical trials, even impacting COVID-19 studies.
The daily work involves managing clinical study documentation, training team members, and client communication, requiring adaptability and collaboration across internal and external teams.
A passion for helping patients, coupled with a collaborative and high-impact environment, defines this role's appeal. The greatest challenge is the high-stress nature, but a strong support system mitigates this.
Success requires a commitment to the greater mission of improving lives, strong self-advocacy, and the ability to balance competing priorities, skills honed through diverse undergraduate experiences.
Entry-level positions exist, and prior healthcare internships are beneficial.
The multifaceted nature of the role, encompassing client-facing tasks and back-end operations across various areas of healthcare, makes it far more complex and rewarding than initially imagined.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kimberly Sern
Clinical Research Associate
Public Biotech Company
University of California, Santa Barbara
UCLA Anderson FTMBA 2024
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Research and Development (R&D)
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Career Path of a Clinical Research Associate at a Public Biotech Company
Kimberly's career path began with a biopsychology degree and neuroscience research lab experience at UC Santa Barbara, leading to roles in biotech startups focused on early R&D and clinical research. This culminated in a Clinical Research Associate position where they "helped guide cancer patients to cancer treatments in clinical trials," and even contributed to COVID-19 studies, ultimately prompting further business school education to better integrate research and business within the healthcare industry.
Main Responsibilities of a Clinical Research Associate at Public Biotech Company
Kimberly, a Clinical Research Associate at a public biotech startup, focuses on "driv[ing] clinical studies forward" by managing documentation for new trials, training team members, and addressing client concerns regarding study progress. The dynamic nature of a startup means their daily tasks, starting with emails, vary considerably depending on immediate needs.
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Research Associate at a public biotech company
A Clinical Research Associate's day-to-day activities vary depending on study needs, involving "emails in the morning, meetings in the afternoon," and collaboration with both internal teams and external clients to monitor study progress and patient enrollment. This role necessitates a dynamic approach, working closely with "people internally...and externally," within a stimulating and passionate work environment.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Clinical Research Associate At A Biotech Company
A Clinical Research Associate's day varies depending on study needs, involving "emails in the morning, meetings in the afternoon," and collaboration with both clients and internal teams across departments. This role necessitates a dynamic approach, balancing external client communication on study progress with internal work on "lab side business development, education, quality," showcasing the collaborative and multifaceted nature of the position.
Making an Impact as a Clinical Research Associate at a Public Biotech Company
Kimberly, a Clinical Research Associate, most enjoys the collaborative environment and the impactful work, stating that "I'm able to work with really smart driven people and make an impact on my direct teams," as well as directly impacting patients by "screen[ing] cancer patients and match[ing] them with clinical trials." The experience of launching studies during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the rewarding and impactful nature of the work.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Public Biotech As A Clinical Research Associate
Kimberly's biggest challenge as a Clinical Research Associate is the "high-stress environment" inherent in healthcare, where "every minute counts." However, the strong support system and inspiring colleagues mitigate this, making the demanding role manageable.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Biotech Industry According To A Clinical Research Associate At A Public Biotech Company
Kimberly's favorite aspect of the clinical research industry is the collaborative and passionate environment, where "everyone's really amazing and smart," encompassing diverse backgrounds united by a shared goal of helping patients. The social aspect, including team celebrations and camaraderie, further enhances this positive work experience.
What a Clinical Research Associate at a Biotech Company Wishes They Knew Before Entering Clinical Research
Clinical Research Associates who thrive in the public biotech industry are driven by "that greater mission of helping people," finding early support and focusing on contributing to this mission beyond simply completing tasks. Success hinges on a strong sense of purpose and commitment to improving lives through their work.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Clinical Research Associates at a Biotech Company
Kimberly, a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), found the role to be "a mix of client-facing and back-end work," broader than initially anticipated, encompassing data, documentation, and training across diverse areas like gene therapy, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices within the evolving healthcare and health tech landscapes. The complexity and variety across the healthcare industry surprised Kimberly, highlighting the multifaceted nature of a CRA position.
Significant Career Lesson From a Clinical Research Associate at a Public Biotech Company
Entry-level positions in clinical research for undergraduates include clinical trial assistant roles; however, depending on experience and job descriptions, "you could probably be qualified for it...even as an undergraduate student," such as a Clinical Research Associate position. Prior healthcare internships significantly improve job prospects.
College Experiences That Helped a Clinical Research Associate at Public Biotech Company Succeed
A significant career lesson learned by Kimberly, a Clinical Research Associate, is the importance of self-advocacy: "don't be afraid to advocate for yourself," whether setting boundaries or showcasing accomplishments. This self-advocacy is crucial for career success regardless of the chosen field.
How Identity Has Influenced A Clinical Research Associate's Career At A Public Biotech Company
Kimberly's undergraduate experience, majoring in psychology while working in a research lab and at a food bank, taught the importance of balancing competing priorities. This skill in managing multiple responsibilities, "staying busy and ... staying balanced," directly translated to success in their current role as a Clinical Research Associate at a public biotech company.
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