Why did you decide on a career as a CRA? When did you make this decision?
I did a PhD which was a great experience, but I wanted to get out of the lab and still be in touch with my scientific background.
Did you have any experience when you became a CRA?
No. I got a position as a Clinical Research Assistant (Trainee CRA) and progressed through the role from there.
How did you gain experience to get into clinical research?
As a trainee, I co-monitored and was trained on the job by Covance to be a CRA.
What do you think are the most important skills for someone in your role to have?
Organisation skills! Patience, flexibility and ability to build professional relationships with hospital personnel.
Tell us about your day-to-day routine
Out at hospital sites approx. 2 days per week training hospital staff, monitoring data to be collected for the trial, monitoring pharmacy to ensure drug accountability and allocation is correct. Back in the office I assist sites with day to day running of the trials, keep paperwork and filing up to date.
Why do you enjoy your role?
You meet many different people and have the chance to work in and out of the office which makes for a varied week. Working on different therapeutic areas is very interesting.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Gaining a wide range of experience monitoring, but still having time to help mentor junior CRAs.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career as a CRA?
There are many transferable skills which are required to be a CRA so don't give up on trying to get that first position - highlight how you can apply your skills to the job even if you don't have experience and swat up on the basis of clinical trials so you'll have a head start in the interview!
