Margarita, Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine: Advize Career Interview

A non-traditional career path led to a dynamic role as Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine.

This professional's journey highlights the value of diverse experiences, from pre-med studies to humanities and a master's in clinical and community-based research.

The work involves managing institutional data, conducting independent projects to improve medical education and funding, and collaborating with colleagues. Strong communication, data analysis skills, and adaptability are key.

The role offers flexibility, variety in project length and scope, and diverse interactions with many individuals across different fields.

A significant lesson learned is the importance of recognizing limitations, embracing teamwork, and prioritizing institutional goals. Undergraduate involvement in diverse organizations and networking proved invaluable.

Overcoming personal challenges fueled a desire to inspire future generations, particularly within the first-generation Latinx community. Entry-level opportunities are available for undergraduates willing to explore and network.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Margarita Bolanos

Institutional Research Manager

California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

California State University Fullerton (CSUF) Post-Baccalaureate Program; California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) Master of Biomedical Sciences

Spanish & Other Languages

Education

Research and Development (R&D)

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student

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Career Path of an Institutional Research Manager at California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine

Margarita's career path was "non-traditional," beginning with pre-med studies before shifting to the humanities and finding a passion for medical research. This led to roles as a Spanish research assistant, academic research during a post-baccalaureate program, and finally, a master's degree with a focus on clinical and community-based research, culminating in the current Institutional Research Manager position.

Career Path of an Institutional Research Manager at California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine

Main Responsibilities of an Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine

Margarita, the Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine, manages "all types of data regarding the institution," conducting independent projects to identify areas for improvement in medical education and funding, while also assisting colleagues with data analysis and creating "data dashboards." This involves significant Excel work and transforming raw data into easily digestible formats for others.

Main Responsibilities of an Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine

A Day in the Life of an Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine

Margarita's role as Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine offers a flexible schedule, with "a lot of life work balance," including work from home days, office days, and attendance at conferences or training sessions. The daily tasks are project-driven and adaptable to the institution's needs, showcasing the dynamic nature of the position.

A Day in the Life of an Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine

Most Important Skills For An Institutional Research Manager At California University Of Science And Medicine

Margarita, an Institutional Research Manager, emphasizes that strong communication skills – "verbal, written, in data form" – are crucial for success in her field, complementing the detailed orientation needed to thoroughly analyze data and projects using tools like Excel and "some sense of coding" to build effective dashboards.

Most Important Skills For An Institutional Research Manager At California University Of Science And Medicine

Favorite parts of being a Institutional Research Manager at California University School of Medicine

Margarita, Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine, most enjoys the "variety" in her role, working on projects ranging from "two weeks long or as long as six months," allowing for delegation of tasks and a dynamic work experience for the entire team. This variety makes the challenging work "enjoyable."

Favorite parts of being a Institutional Research Manager at California University School of Medicine

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Institutional Research Manager at California University of Science and Medicine

Margarita's biggest challenge as Institutional Research Manager is "working with a team," specifically in conveying data-driven insights and implementing necessary changes. The difficulty lies in navigating differing personalities and overcoming resistance to change, though ultimately, the team unites for the institution's improvement.

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Institutional Research Manager at California University of Science and Medicine

Favorite Parts of Working in Research as an Institutional Research Manager

Margarita, an Institutional Research Manager, most enjoys the diverse interactions inherent in the role, stating that "I get to interact with many different types of people," including those in other fields. This allows for exposure to various careers and projects, offering a unique perspective within the research sector.

Favorite Parts of Working in Research as an Institutional Research Manager

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Medical Research Industry, According To An Institutional Research Manager At California University School Of Medicine

Margarita, an Institutional Research Manager, highlights the importance of being "very detail oriented" and "adaptable" for success in the industry. The ability to acknowledge one's limitations and embrace "a state of vulnerability" to achieve optimal institutional outcomes is also crucial, according to her insights.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Medical Research Industry, According To An Institutional Research Manager At California University School Of Medicine

What an Institutional Research Manager at California University of Science and Medicine wishes they had known before entering the Research industry

Margarita, an Institutional Research Manager, learned that the role's diversity is far greater than initially anticipated; the job description is not limited to "just, um, you know, sitting with data and doing analysis all day," but instead involves "communicating with different people" and developing "new skills."

What an Institutional Research Manager at California University of Science and Medicine wishes they had known before entering the Research industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Institutional Research Managers

Margarita, an Institutional Research Manager, advises undergraduates interested in the field to "venture into different opportunities" and "try it out," as their interests may evolve through experience. Networking and pursuing available research opportunities, however competitive, are key to discovering a suitable career path.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Institutional Research Managers

Significant Career Lesson From an Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine

A significant career lesson for Margarita, Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine School of Medicine, is recognizing "your limitations" and seeking help when needed, prioritizing "the institution's interests" through collaboration to achieve goals. This approach highlights the importance of self-awareness and teamwork in a research setting.

Significant Career Lesson From an Institutional Research Manager at California University Science and Medicine

College Experiences That Helped An Institutional Research Manager At California University Of Science And Medicine Succeed

Margarita's undergraduate involvement in "different types of organizations and extracurriculars" focused on developing professional skills and networking, making "connections" and mastering "the power of networking" to create opportunities to showcase abilities. This proactive approach to skill-building and self-promotion significantly contributed to their success as an Institutional Research Manager.

College Experiences That Helped An Institutional Research Manager At California University Of Science And Medicine Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced an Institutional Research Manager's Career at California University of Science and Medicine

Margarita, a first-generation Latina Institutional Research Manager, shared that navigating higher education presented "many different kinds of challenges, including financial and…discrimination," but this experience built character and propelled Margarita's career. The challenges motivated Margarita to become an example for family and community, hoping to inspire other first-generation Latinx individuals to "thrive as well."

How Identity Has Influenced an Institutional Research Manager's Career at California University of Science and Medicine

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margarita-bolanos/