Clinical research is a field where you can make a meaningful impact on medical science and patient care. And every year, applicants from outside the industry – particularly life sciences graduates – successfully find their way into this rewarding field with their first clinical research job. Clinical research job roles range from Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) to data managers, regulatory affairs specialists, and clinical trial coordinators. Each role requires a unique skill set, but each plays an important part in conducting rigorous and ethical research.
In today’s post, we’re going to review the challenges of career switching and how you can put yourself in the best possible position to make a successful switch to a new and rewarding career.
Getting a foot in the door
Life science graduates face several issues when switching to a career in clinical research. The biggest issues are a lack of direct experience, knowledge gaps, demonstrating competence and overcoming self-doubt. These challenges can seem daunting, but IAOCR’s accreditation can help facilitate a career change and improve your chances of success.
In this blog, we highlight some of the challenges you’ll face in switching careers and getting your first clinical research job. We’ll also examine three ways you can use accreditation to find yourself well-positioned to contribute to this vital and dynamic industry.
Proving competence
Lack of direct experience is a common hurdle. Clinical research positions often require specific expertise that those new to the field may not have. To secure their first clinical research job, graduates should highlight transferable skills gained from academic projects, internships, and laboratory work, such as data analysis, critical thinking, and adherence to protocols. Applicants should proactively seek to bridge knowledge gaps in areas like regulatory requirements, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and clinical trial protocols through additional education and training.
It would be beneficial to demonstrate professional behaviors such as attention to detail, ethical judgment, and effective communication skills. Graduates can showcase these behaviors by providing examples from their past academic or work experiences where they have demonstrated these qualities. Engaging in volunteer work or internships related to clinical research can also offer practical opportunities to exhibit professional behaviors in real-world settings.
Traditionally, the clinical research industry has been focused on the amount of experience someone has gained and has used this to determine whether they are an appropriate person to work on a clinical trial. However, most people can provide examples of “experienced” people that are not good at their job due to a lack of skills, knowledge or professional behaviors.
IAOCR’s ethos has always been that proof of competence i.e. proof that a person possesses those skills, knowledge and behaviors to perform their role effectively, is the best measure of appropriateness for a role. We are therefore happy to assess competence regardless of length of service and regardless of how the person has been trained – IAOCR accreditation is purely focused on whether the person can provide evidence to prove that they are competent!
Overcoming resume fraud
The clinical research job market is highly competitive. Standing out can be challenging and to secure their first clinical research job, applicants should focus on building a strong educational background, pursuing relevant certifications, and gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer opportunities. Networking within the industry can also open doors, providing valuable connections and insights that can help applicants differentiate themselves from other candidates.
Accreditation makes it easy to identify you as a strong candidate and a genuine one as well. If you’re new to the clinical research field you may not know that CV and application fraud is a pervasive presence which employers and recruiters are wary of. A recent survey found that recruiters recorded discrepancies in around 20% of CVs. The most common discrepancies included altered employment timelines, falsely claimed skills, inflated job titles, and fake qualifications.
Certifications in fields like clinical research, such as those issued by IAOCR, come with unique reference numbers. These identifiers allow employers to easily verify the credentials of candidates, thereby enhancing their credibility. This verification process not only mitigates the risks associated with CV fraud but also boosts the overall success of recruitment efforts. Employers can confidently rely on these certifications as a reliable indicator of candidates’ qualifications and competencies.
Showing transferable skills for a clinical research job
When transitioning from a life sciences background to a career in clinical research, emphasizing relevant and transferable skills can significantly strengthen an application. If direct experience is lacking, then highlighting broader skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail can showcase an applicant’s ability for their first clinical research job.
A crucial aspect of transitioning into clinical research is understanding regulatory requirements and ethical considerations. Familiarizing yourself with these aspects not only shows your commitment to compliance but also prepares you to contribute effectively to research teams. Soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are equally essential in clinical research settings, where collaboration across diverse teams is common.
Having proficiency in any industry-specific software like electronic data capture (EDC) systems enhances your readiness to handle data management software specific to clinical trials.
Additionally, showcasing project management skills or previous cross-team collaborations demonstrates readiness and commitment. This not only enhances an application but also sets the candidate apart as a proactive and adaptable professional ready to make a significant impact in clinical research.
The key is to feel confident that these transferable skills are relevant and will contribute to an increased chance of success in switching to clinical research. The IAOCR’s rigorous accreditation process gives job candidates confidence that their abilities and experience put them in good standing for that first role.
