Clinical Trial Coordinator/ Clinical Research Associate Review

My placement was split into two roles; half as a 'Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC)' and half as a 'Clinical Research Associate' (CRA). The CTC role was centered around providing office based support to the companies clinical research teams, with responsibilities in admin, document management and finance. The CRA role was focused around monitoring clinical trials run by the company at NHS hospitals sites around the UK/ROI.

I developed my knowledge of the clinical trial process and the associated regulatory and finance processes that are involved with clinical research. Hard Skills: IT Skills (Excel, Outlook and all of the systems required for data processing and document management that the company uses) and Proof Reading. Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Organization, prioritization and independent working.

Yes I was given lot's of responsibilities within both of the job roles that the placement was based around, as well as many within other extra-curricular projects that I was involved with.

I was well supported in my internship. With mentors in both of the job roles I was doing, as well as a manager I worked with personally and an intern manager for all of the interns in my department.

I was very fond of the company culture at MSD. They are a very open company and I never felt excluded or as I though I couldn't reach out to colleagues that I didn't know personally. The company offices have a very friendly atmosphere, and I always found I was well supported by the other colleagues in the company.

I enjoyed my placement a lot, even though the vast majority of it was done remotely. I found I was able to get involved with many projects within different areas of the business that I wouldn't interact with in my day-to-day work. I was always well supported in my placement.

Yes

Get involved with as many projects, in as many different business areas, as you can. I felt these were highly insightful when considering my future career.