Confessions of a CRA: Recent Episodes
Jasmyn Adams
Confessions of a CRA is the podcast for Clinical Research Associates and Aspiring CRA (people trying to break into the CA role). This podcast provides transparent interviews and conversations with real life, true stories of Clinical Research Associates where we discuss their journey of how they got started, life as a CRA, and where they are now. This podcast was created to give CRAs and Aspiring CRAs hope, courage, guidance, and empowerment, so
In this episode Jasmyn’s shares the CRA Job Attraction System training that she did during one of her live Aspiring CRA Q & A sessions. She talks about:
- The old, outdated way of job searching and why you don’t want to use it
- How to get the job without monitoring experience
- How to land your CRA job without applying
- How to put yourself in front of CRA recruiters and CRA hiring managers
Here are the links to watch the training and view the diagram:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:7031050755696422912/
YouTube - https://youtube.com/live/9U9WnPau630?feature=share
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
This episode is part 3 of Jasmyn’s interview with The Gatekeeper, Angela Rpberts as she continues to share the inside scoop on what recruiters are looking for in CRA candidates.
In this episode Angela talks about:
- Why it’s easier to get a job when you already have a job
- How everyone is a job seeker
- The reason why her team prefers to bring in candidates find candidates versus bringing in candidates that submit applications
- The importance of always actively networking and building industry connections
- The importance of learning how to get good at telling your story
- The difference between talent acquisition and HR
- The importance of cover letters, when you need what, and what to include
- The importance of setting goals
Angela's Blog - https://craresources.com/blog/
Angela's Podcast - https://craresources.com/blog/category/podcasts/
Angela’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craresourcesangelaroberts
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode, Jasmyn continues the mock interview with Wilishia Lyons, so that you can see how to implement everything that you’ve learned from The Radical Interview Series Parts 1 - 4.
Due to the length of the interview, it’s broken up into 3 different parts. This is the third part of the mock interview (Radical Series Interview Series Part 5). So if you didn’t listen to the first 2 parts of the interview, go back to episode 48 and 50, to get on track. In this part, the following questions are covered:
- How would you describe what a CRA does to a person that’s not in the industry
- What is a 1572?
- Are you willing to travel 60-80%?
- What kind of regulatory experience do you have?
- Have you worked with grading AE or SAE toxicities?
- Describe the consenting process.
- Name 5 required elements of an ICF.
- What is an SAE?
- What is a SUSAR?
- What is ALCOA-CCEA?
- What is GCP? What is GDP?
- What is the most important factor in each phase of a clinical trial?
- What would you do if you found a subject who was enrolled but was not properly consented?
- What would you do if you found a subject who was enrolled but did not meet eligibility requirements?
- What are the reporting requirements for SAEs?
- What is a delegation of authority log?
- Why do you want to be a CRA?
- How does your past experience prepare you for the CRA role?
- What documents can you find in the investigator site file (ISF)?
- How do I answer if I don’t know the answer to an industry specific question?
- What do you look for when monitoring on site?
- If you’ve discovered an unreported SAE what would you do?
- What are the top challenges
- Good questions for you as the candidate to ask the interviewer
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
This episode is part 2 of Jasmyn’s interview with The Gatekeeper, Angela Rpberts as she continues to share the inside scoop on what recruiters are looking for in CRA candidates.
In this episode Angela talks about:
- Lack of leadership training I'm the clinical research industry
- The unfortunate consequences of companies not offering required leadership training
- How implementing leadership training can positively impact company attrition rates
- How to become the top 2% type of employee
- And so much more!
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode, Jasmyn continues the mock interview with Wilishia Lyons, so that you can see how to implement everything that you’ve learned from The Radical Interview Series Parts 1 - 4. Due to the length of the interview, it’s broken up into 3 different parts. This is the second part of the mock interview (Radical Series Interview Series Part 5). So if you didn’t listen to the first part of the interview, go back to episode 48 to get on track. In this part, the following questions & answers are covered:
- What do you know about our company? (continued)
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Why do you want to leave your current company?
- How you manager your time and stay organized?
- Do you prefer working alone or with a team?
- Do you prefer working with a micromanagement style or a hands-off management style?
- Do you prefer working onsite or remote?
- Tell me about a time you experienced conflict at work and how did you handle it.
- Tell me about a time that you made a mistake.
- What are the main 2 responsibilities of a monitor?
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode, Angela shares the inside scoop on what recruiters are looking for in CRA candidates. She also talks about how to stand out with or without monitoring experience, so recruiters contact you.
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode, Jasmyn conducts a mock interview with Wilishia Lyons, so that you can see how to implement everything that you’ve learned from The Radical Interview Series Parts 1 - 4. Due to the length of the interview, it’s broken up into 3 different parts. In this part, the following questions & answers are covered:
- Tell me about yourself (and the other sneaky ways they bring this question up)
- Tell me more about your current role.
- What are your top 3 strengths?
- What are your top 3 weaknesses?
- Why do you want to be a CRA?
- Why should we hire you?
- What do you know about our company?
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode (part 2) Jasmyn continues to interview Daniel Regut Senior CRA, founder of The CRA Coach, and creator of The ASAP CRA Course™️.
Daniel shares:
- Perks of working with smaller companies vs larger companies
- Biggest challenge to break into 1st CRA role
- How being a nurse prepared him to be a CRA
- How to successfully navigate your CRA career and transition into management
- Life as a freelance, 1099 contract CRA
You can check out The ASAP CRA Course™️ here: https://thecra.coach/
Contact Daniel on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielregut
Email Daniel here: info@thecra.coach
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
This is part 4 of the 5 Part CRA Radical Interview series, where I break down every single part of the CRA interview, so you can confidently ace the interview with ease.
If you haven’t listened to part 1, 2, & 3, go back and check them out before you dive into part 4.
In this episode I share the 4 things you need to once the interview is over:
- Send a thank you note, handwritten or email
- Evaluate your performance
- energetically release the company and the job
- Follow-up via email and/or phone
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d
In this episode Jasmyn interviews Daniel Regut Senior CRA, founder of The CRA Coach, and creator of The ASAP CRA Course™️.
In this episode, Daniel shares:
- Perks of working with smaller companies vs larger companies
- Biggest challenge to break into 1st CRA role
- How being a nurse prepared him to be a CRA
- How to successfully navigate your CRA career and transition into management
- Life as a freelance, 1099 contract CRA
You can check out The ASAP CRA Course™️ here: https://thecra.coach/
Contact Daniel on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielregut
Email Daniel here: info@thecra.coach
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
This is part 3 of a 5 Part CRA Radical Interview series, where I break down every single part of the CRA interview, so you can confidently ACE the interview with ease.
If you haven’t listened to part 1 and 2, go back and check it out before you dive into part 3.
In this episode I share:
- How to get good at sharing your story, using the Story Plot Technique
- How to best answer behavioral/situational questions
- Two questions to always ask at the end of your interview
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode Jasmyn interviews Sumraiz Mehmud, Senior CRA and founder of ClinFast Mentorship.
In this episode, Sumraiz shares:
- How starting out as a study coordinator (SC) and clinical trial assistant (CTA) gave him a strong clinical research foundation
- How networking was a key part of his success
- Challenges he faced as a new CRA
- The importance of being proactive and asking questions
- Life as a CRA including the details of a typical travel week
- The difference between a FTE CRA and a 1099 contract CRA; and why he transitioned into contracting
- How and why he started the clinical research mentoring program, ClinFast
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
This is part 2 of a 5 Part CRA Radical Interview series, where I break down every single part of the CRA interview, so you can confidently ACE the interview with ease.
If you haven’t listened to part 2, go back and check it out before you dive into part 2.
In this episode:
I share 7 key tips to help prepare you for the interview:
- Research the company
- Study the job description
- Study your resume
- Research the interviewers
- Practice
- Prepare at least 5-10 questions to ask
- Logistical prep
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode Jasmyn Interviews Your Fav CRA, Rasheeda Hall
In this episode Rasheeda shares:
- How she got her first clinical research job, as a temp to perm employee
- How she strategically networked internally
- Her challenges being a wife and mother of 2 young children, while monitoring
- Her secrets for how she built a successful career and worked her way to Associate Project Manager
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
This is part 1 of a 5 Part CRA Radical Interview series, where I break down every single part of the CRA interview, so you can confidently ACE the interview with ease.
In this episode:
I share 5 key principles to keep in mind throughout your interview
- The interview is not about you. It’s all about the company.
- If you fail to practice, you practice to fail
- The interview is just a simple conversation.
- Stay calm - Relax & Breath
- Make sure you actually answer the interview question and stay on topic.
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode Jasmyn Interviews the one and only Dan Sfera, The Clinical Trials Guru and owner of CRA Academy.
In this episode Dan shares:
- How clinical site ownership literally fell into his lap and how he want from a failing business to successful business
- How he landed his first CRA job
- Site Ownership vs Contract CRA
…Plus all his secrets about how to get your foot in the door and take ownership over your career.
If you’re ready to stop struggling alone and confidently land your first CRA job offer, frustration free, with no monitoring experience or CRA certification, book a sales call with me to learn more about my exclusive, private 1-on-1, 6 month coaching program and how I can help you. Here’s the link ➡️ https://bit.ly/3sVw8d3
In this episode Shiva Shares:
- Her unique discovery of clinical research in India and how she was able to successfully transition from Pharmacy to Clinical Research
- How she was able to simultaneously leverage working as a Study Coordinator (SC) while getting advanced degrees, and how doing both help to propel her career
- The importance of having a mentor and how her mentor helped shape her career
- How anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and put action behind your goals
- How self-study and training can also help prepare you for your first clinical research role, until you land your first job in the industry
- How she completed her own independent self-study to learn as much as possible about the industry and didn’t just depend on the company training, which developed her into a top, quality CRC & CRA
- Life and travel as a CRA in Europe
- The importance of focusing on quality in the clinical research space and specifically as a monitor, which creates a strong reputation for yourself
- The importance of first being loyal to yourself and your career over your employer (when necessary)
- The importance of knowing what you want, where you want to go, and setting goals in your career
- How to be your best advocate and leverage your assets to clearly articulate the value that you bring to the company and gain negotiating power
- Her philosophies about going after opportunities and making the most of them to create the career and life that you want
- The importance of building a strong network
- Her special tips for Aspiring CRAs and Struggling CRAs looking to take control of their careers
***If you are a woman ready to launch and take control of your clinical research career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Jasmyn discusses:
- The difference between a job mindset and a career mindset
- How the job mindset is holding so many people back and stopping them from reaching their goals
- The importance of shifting into a career mindset if you want to land your dream job
- How practicing and implementing a career mindset throughout your professional journey gives you control of your career and enables you to have a complete career & life transformation
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
This is part 2 of a 2-part series with Tiffany Ashton. So, if you have not heard part 1, go back and listen to part 1. You don’t want to miss it.
In this episode, Tiffany discusses:
- The difference between the Project Manager and Clinical Trial Manager roles
- Lead CRA responsibilities
- Benefits of working on phase IV studies
- Benefits of working as a contractor
- How to transition into a CTM role
- How to assess job descriptions to determine if you’re a good fit for the role
- Her new Director role with Clinessentials and how their products, career services, and training are changing the clinical research game
***Visit www.ClinEssentials.com to purchase all of the products, career services, and CTM training. You can catch up with Tiffany Ashton on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-ashton-clinessentials
***If you are a woman ready to launch and take control of your clinical research career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Tiffany shares
- How to leverage an administrative assistant position and transition into your first clinical research position
- How to get your foot into the clinical research industry and gain experience, while getting your degree at the same time, making yourself more marketable after graduating
- Medical courses to take to establish a strong foundation and knowledge base to prepare you to enter the clinical research industry and help you once you break into the industry
- How leveraging her SC experience and networking helped her land a CRC/CRA position with a Sponsor company, within 1 week of graduating, where she was also able to more than double her salary
- The differences between Phase I – III and Phase IV studies
- Her opinion on the significance of acquiring a master’s degree and ACRP certification when it comes to landing a CRA position
- How vital experience is in comparison to education
- The importance of having a vision, setting career goals, and communicating your goals to the right people
- The responsibilities that come along with the unique opportunity of being an unblinded CRA
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Jasmyn answers the below questions submitted from listeners:
- What skills do you need to move into the CRA role?
- How can you crack the CRA interview?
- How can obtain a basic, foundational knowledge of the CRA role responsibilities and duties?
- What job opportunities area available in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries and clinical research organizations (CROs).
- Should I include therapeutic areas on my resume even if I only have 5 therapeutic areas of experience?
- Should therapeutic area have its own section on my resume?
- How can I increase my Source Data Verification (SDV) pace/speed?
- Which transferable skills should I focus on when applying for iCRA/CRA I roles?
- How difficult is it to transition into pharma CRA from a medical device field?
- How can we get employers to take a chance on us if we are transitioning from another profession and have little to no clinical research experience?
- How do you measure a start-up companies chance of success to consider if you should work with them or not?
If you want to learn how you can launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you!
Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Love the podcast? Show the love by leaving a review and sharing this episode.
This is part 2 of a 2-part series with Jamie Duffy. So, if you have not heard part 1, go back and listen to part 1. You don’t want to miss it.
In this episode, Jamie discusses:
- Her tips on how to take control of your career and strategies for getting promoted
- Clinical Trial Lead (CTL) versus CRA Line Manager responsibilities
- Job search and interview tips for CRAs and Aspiring CRAs
- Mistakes to avoid at all costs during the job interview
- The importance of having both hard (technical) skills and soft skills
- Tips for navigating a relationship with a challenging manager
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Jasmyn answers the below questions submitted from listeners:
- For people looking to transition careers to a CRA role, how do they focus their resume and what type of skills or qualifications should they focus on?
- If you your research experience is more than 10 years ago, how can those skills be referred to on your resume without looking outdated
- What degree is needed to become a CRA?
- If you don't have a degree, is there a way to become a CRA with a training program?
- What would one expect day-to-day to look like as a CRA?
- What would be the next level up from a CRA?
- How can you transition into a CRA role if you don't have monitoring experience, but you have years of clinical research experience?
If you want to learn how you can launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you!
Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Love the podcast? Show the love by leaving a review and sharing this episode.
In this episode, Jamie discusses:
- How she had over 15 years of clinical research experience before she landed her first CRA role and still struggled to get her foot in the door even with all of that experience
- How she was able to go straight from the site to a Sponsor CRA role
- The difference between being a CRA on the CRO side versus the sponsor side
- The complexities of dialysis studies
- How she was able to fast-track her career to the Senior CRA level
- How networking helped her progress in her career
- What to do after you start a role that isn’t quite what you expected
- Life as a Clinical Operations Manager
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Jasmyn discusses the top 10 lessons she learned that have helped her not only land her first CRA roble but fast track her CRA career: 1. 1. You need a vision, goals, and a plan 2. Be proactive 3. Don’t give up 4. Embrace, appreciate, and leverage everything that you learn along the way 5. Don't rush the process 6. We all have a personal brand, and we are all marketing ourselves whether we are aware of it or not 7. You are in control of your career 8. It is essential to shift your thinking from a job mindset to a career mindset 9. Leveraging LinkedIn and networking are secret weapons 10. You are your biggest asset
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Mario discusses:
- How starting his career as an Oncology SC at a site created a strong clinical research foundation
- The pros and cons of working at a large institution versus a small site
- How willing to relocate can increase your chances of landing your position
- How submitting hundreds of applications as a new applicant is the worst strategy
- How he bounced back after being ghosted by a company
- How he was able to turn an initial rejection into an offer
- The importance of asking for feedback after job interviews
- The difference between working for a small startup on the Sponsor side versus a big CRO
- The challenges and perks of monitoring Oncology trials
- The upside and downside of being a contract CRA
- The job responsibilities of being in a CRA sponsor oversight role
Mario loves mentoring and training Aspiring CRAs and junior CRAs and has a YouTube channel where he shares tips. You can check it out at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarioDeSouza.
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Jasmyn shares the #1 thing stopping you from landing your first CRA job and progressing in your clinical research career by breaking it down into a list of 10 problems:
- Dealing with mind drama
- Having no plan, vision, or mission
- Being unclear on your goals and your why
- Suffering from "Institutionalized Education Shock"
- Doing too much or not enough
- Being focused on the wrong thing
- Listening to the wrong people
- Listening to too many different people
- Suffering from “More Syndrome”
- Entitlement
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Janvi discusses:
- Her journey from India to working as an In-house CRA in the United States (US)
- How people outside of the US can leverage STEM degrees to migrate to the US and work
- How she strategically leveraged her education to create her dream career
- The importance of promoting yourself and selling yourself to land your dream job, especially with no industry experience
- The importance of tailoring your resume to each job description (JD)
- How to successfully tap into your full potential and not settle for roles out of line with your goals
- The importance of taking a pause to gain clarity and understand your why
- The power of networking
- Her special secrets to successfully landing her first CRA role
***If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode Jasmyn discusses:
- How applying to everything thing that you see and just throwing darts hoping that something sticks, with no plan, takes you further away from reaching your goal of landing your first CRA position
- The power of leveraging LinkedIn and how it is the easiest way to take control of your brand, market yourself, and expand your network
- How the job description is your own personal cheat sheet
If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode Jeannie Farnsworth shares: * Her 20-year clinical research journey * How starting at the site level as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) created a strong foundation and backbone for her career * How she started her own consulting company as a CRC * How having a CRA as a mentor & coach helped her clinical research career * How important it is to gain clinical research experience before hopping into a CRA role * The power of networking and staying connected * How important being proactive and taking the initiative is to taking control of your career * The challenges with being a traveling CRA, especially with a family and kids, and how she was able to transition into an In-house CRA role * The daily responsibilities of being a Clinical Scientist with a CRO
In this episode, Jasmyn discusses:
- How to assess where you are in your Clinical Research Associate) CRA job search journey
- How to determine what your assessment means (are you ready to apply or do you have some skills/experiences gaps that you need to fill)
- How to diagnose your specific problem
- The importance of working on your mindset, specifically identifying limiting beliefs and replacing them with empowering beliefs
- Why she does not recommend using done for you resume/LinkedIn services and hiring career coaches that do not specialize in the clinical research industry
If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Theresa Bouchard Goddard shares:
- Tips for traveling as a monitor
- The importance and benefits of having mentors and being a mentor
- The importance of networking and having colleagues that are aware of your career goals
- The purpose and composition of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
- Daily responsibilities as an Assistant Director of Monitoring at a prominent institution
- CRA Recruitment from a hiring manager perspective
- Current challenges with hiring CRAs
- Remote monitoring challenges
- Challenges with ensuring data quality and integrity
- Top qualities and skills for successful CRAs
In this episode, Jasmyn discusses:
- The top 10 categories/skills, that she has outlined as ‘CRA Gateway Skills’, that you should seek to acquire to land your 1st CRA job
- The significance and importance of acquiring Clinical Research Associate Gateway Skills
- How to identify if you have enough of the right clinical research experience
- What to focus on if you have enough of the right clinical research experience
If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Theresa Bouchard Goddard shares:
- Her journey from Research Assistant to Assistant Director of Monitoring
- Her experience working at an IRB at a university
- How a regulatory role is a great path to the Clinical Research Associate position
- How the SoCRA certification and conferences have positively impacted her career, increased her network, expanded her industry knowledge, and created career opportunities
- The importance and benefits of having mentors
- Some of the unique challenges and differences with Oncology studies
- Becoming an internal monitor with a top cancer institute
- The differences between working for a Sponsor initiated studies versus investigator-initiated studies
- Her experience traveling as an internal monitor for investigator-initiated studies
In this episode, Jasmyn discusses:
- The Difference between certificate and certification
- Why a certificate and certification does not solve your problem
- What will solve your problem & help you land your first CRA job
If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
In this episode, Michael Somers shares: * His journey from nursing to Clinical Operations Senior Management * The biggest challenge to breaking into your first CRA role * How to recognize the different routes of access to the CRA role * Perks of working with smaller companies versus larger companies * How to successfully navigate your CRA career and transition into management * Life as a freelance/contractor CRA
In this episode Jasmyn shares:
- Her story of how she landed her 1st CRA job with no monitoring experience or CRA certification
- Why you don’t need monitoring experience or a CRA certification to become a CRA
- What it’s almost impossible for you to become CRA certified before landing your 1st CRA job
- The 5 things you actually need to land your 1st CRA job
If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Dr. Correa shared so much during her interview that we had to divide it up into 2 parts. If you haven’t listened to part 1, check it out before you hop into this episode. In this episode, Dr. Correa talks about: * Study metrics, how they're identified, & their significance * The pressures of site activation * The challenges with maintaining quality monitoring visits, while facing study and company-specific metrics and workloads * How we as an industry (sites, sponsors, CROs) can do better * How to create a successful, study environment * The importance of continuing to learn and grow * How to be a true leader in the industry * How to efficiently communicate and give feedback; the importance of soft skills & delivery * The importance of having a bachelor's level degree & the multiple platforms and avenues to get your degree * The importance of selling yourself during the interview * How to manage work-life balance
If you are an Aspiring CRA, CRA looking to advance your career, or another clinical research professional that just loves the industry, you don’t want to miss this episode.
In this episode, Jasmyn finally shares her CRA journey. She talks about how she originally had hopes of becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, after she realized that wasn’t for her, she was lost and confused until she stumbled upon the scientific research world. She decided to pursue a Ph.D. in pharmacology in hopes of creating a scientific career in the pharmaceutical industry. Once again, she eventually realized that too was not for her, so she reached another place in her life where she felt lost and confused. But eventually, she stumbled upon the CRA role and knew immediately that was the path for her. Jasmyn shares all her highs and lows and how ultimately, she was able to find her way and not only land her dream job, but fast-track her career, build a company helping others do the same, and start this podcast, all because she kept going and never gave up!
If you are ready to launch and take control of your career and break into your first CRA position (with no monitoring experience or certification), book a call with Jasmyn to learn more about she can help you! Visit www.AspiringCRA.com to book a call.
Dr. Correa shares her journey of how she originally had the med school idea like so many of us clinical researchers but realized that was not for her and started her journey in the lab, doing bench science. She then went on to be a Study Coordinator, CRA, CRA Manager, CTM, Associate Director, and now Vice President of a major Pharma company. Dr. Correa talks about how having great leaders in all her roles really helped her grow and develop her career as a young woman. She also discusses how you can identify when it’s time to leave a company (even if you love it there) and how she was able to land a job, even though she was an hour and a half late.
Here are a few key takeaways from this episode that Dr. Correa shares about career growth:
- Ask questions
- Surround yourself with great leaders and mentors
- You have to dress for your next position
- Don’t just get mentors, get sponsors – people who are talking about you when you’re not in the room; they know what you can do and what you can deliver
- Success doesn’t happen overnight
- Never burn a bridge you might need to cross again
- Make sure you have a well put together resume that grabs the reader’s attention and showcases your diversity
This is the second part of Jasmyn's interview with Larisa Zhukova. Larisa gives the inside scoop on what recruiters are looking for in CRA candidates. She shares the do’s and don’ts on how to uniquely position yourself to attract and land a CRA position If you are a CRA looking to take your CRA career to the next level or an Aspiring CRA looking to land your first position, this is another episode that you definitely don’t want to miss!
Larisa gives the inside scoop on what recruiters are looking for in CRA candidates. She shares the do’s and don’ts on how to uniquely position yourself to attract and land a CRA position If you are a CRA looking to take your CRA career to the next level or an Aspiring CRA looking to land your first position, this is another episode that you definitely don’t want to miss!
Mrs. Mutiah T Macaulay is the Founding Partner/CEO of a Contract Research Organization on bridging the gap of Clinical Research in Africa. She shares her amazing journey of how she went from a regional CRA to an international CRA and CEO. She also discusses her participation in various Research programs at the National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, Clinical Research Organizations, Public Health sectors, Pharmaceutical companies and various Academia institutes provided her with immeasurable experience. If you are wondering how you can branch out from the traditional CRA role, this is definitely another episode you don't want to miss.
This is the second part of Elizabeth Waddell's interview. Elizabeth is one of those few people in the industry that you may run into who actually has a degree in Clinical Research. She talks about how she discovered the world of clinical research, how she went from an intern on the manufacturing side of the pharma industry to in-house CRA to regional CRA to CRA trainer/Manager. She shares all of the ups and downs throughout her CRA career and how she ultimately created an online CRA training and became The CRA Helper.
Elizabeth is one of those few people in the industry that you may run into who actually has a degree in Clinical Research. She talks about how she discovered the world of clinical research, how she went from an intern on the manufacturing side of the pharma industry to in-house CRA to regional CRA to CRA trainer/Manager. She shares all of the ups and downs throughout her CRA career and how she ultimately created an online CRA training and became The CRA Helper.
Alyssa gives us the inside scoop and shares her story from the CRA recruiter’s perspective. She shares many great tips on how take control of your CRA job search, including: Do’s and don’ts during your job search, the #1 place to get noticed by recruiters, leveraging the ATS (applicant tracking system), degree requirements, the top 3 roles that lead to the CRA position, and so much more! If you are an #AspiringCRA, this is another episode that you definitely don’t want to miss!
Jasmin Bhalodia, MS reveals her story of how she started on the manufacturing side and in the lab. She shares how she was able to leverage a clinical research internship whole pursuing her masters in clinical research to land her 1st CRA position. Mrs. Bhalodia talks about the highs and lows of being a CRA while traveling. She also discusses how she utilized her network to create and take advantage of each opportunity to go from CRA to CTM to Director. You don't want to miss this one!
If you are an aspiring CRA just getting started on your journey, you have some industry experience but still struggling to break into your first CRA role, or you’ve just started your first CRA position, then you don’t want to miss this episode because this is just for you. John Sendejo shares his journey of how he went from graduating from college into a Study Coordinator position and then straight into his first CRA role with the top CRO in the industry, in their prestigious CRA training program. He shares some of his challenges along the way and his tips for you how you to can successfully break into and navigate your first CRA position.
Mary Williams, MPH shares he amazing journey of how she was able to go from a Research Assistant to an In-House CRA and work her way up to management roles including Clinical Trial Manager and Clinical Operations Manager roles, all without being a regional, traveling CRA. She also discusses how she was able to overcome her fears and take her career even further and step into a Director of Clinical Research role, again all without traveling! So for those of you who are interested in creating a successful clinical research career as a CRA, but without the “road warrior” level of travel, you definitely don’t want to miss this episode.
Elizabeth Weeks-Rowe continues to share her journey of how she got thrusted into the clinical research industry as a Clinical Research Coordinator, transitioned into a CRA role, and became a clinical research writer, author, speaker, and more! She also gives a brief introduction into her book “Clinical Research Trials & Triumphs”, which is a must read. Elizabeth’s share her tips of how she was able to accomplish all these things and reveals how many options you can truly have, once you open up that CRA door.
Elizabeth Weeks-Rowe shares her journey of how she got thrusted into the clinical research industry as a Clinical Research Coordinator, transitioned into a CRA role, and became a clinical research writer, author, speaker, and more! She also gives a brief introduction into her book “Clinical Research Trials & Triumphs”, which is a must read. Elizabeth’s share her tips of how she was able to accomplish all these things and reveals how many options you can truly have, once you open up that CRA door.
This is part 2 of another incredible episode with John McAdory where he continues to share his CRA journey, from the very beginning to where he is today as Vice President of a biopharmaceutical company. He talks about his early pre-med dreams and how he stumbled upon the CRA role after determining that medical school was no longer his path. He discusses life as a CRA (including some of the rewards and challenges), his career after monitoring, and his secrets for how he was able to achieve his success of going from CRA to VP.
This part 1 of an incredible episode with John McAdory where he shares his entire CRA journey, from the very beginning to where he is today as Vice President of a biopharmaceutical company. He talks about his early pre-med dreams and how he stumbled upon the CRA role after determining that medical school was no longer his path. He discusses life as a CRA (including some of the rewards and challenges), his career after monitoring, and his secrets for how he was able to achieve his success of going from CRA to VP.