Clinical Study Operations Undergraduate Review

My individual responsibilities include running reports, attending meetings, cross referencing information, making trackers and contacting vendor companies. I work from home but often alongside colleagues in the EU and USA to help keep these trackers updated. A lot of the information I gather is distributed in meetings or used to support site activities.

I've learnt a lot about excel and how useful trackers can be for keeping organised. I've definitely developed my communication skills, especially since I've been working in a professional, virtual environment with so many different time zones! I feel I also have a better understanding of how the pharmaceutical industry brings medicines from a clinical to a public health setting. Pfizer has a lot of opportunities for personal development and training.

Yes. A lot of the information gathered during my daily tasks was distributed to a wider audience, and so needed to be up to date and accurate. A lot of colleagues also depended on me updating reports and filing minutes to know how to follow up with vendors and sites.

We initially spent 3 weeks "in training", but because a lot of it was non-specific we were thrown in the deep end a bit once we finished. There are a lot of systems to learn how to use, and, although people do their best to be available to help you, it's down to you to request your access and arrange for any access changes. It could sometimes feel overwhelming if you couldn't reach anyone.

There is a sense of pride in working for Pfizer, and it is a very positive environment. The company does a lot to promote personal health and wellbeing as well as personal and professional development, and it's nice to hear colleagues talk openly about their families and hobbies outside of work.

I really enjoyed my placement; I fell into a pattern with my work, but even towards the end of my placement I was being offered opportunities for further development and more responsibility. I almost didn't want to go back to university! I've since asked to stay on an extra month, and am thinking about applying to the graduate programme.

Yes

Sometimes it can be hard to tell from the job description exactly what you'll be asked to do, don't be afraid to ask in the interviews. Make sure you stand out in the assessment centre for the right reasons (encouraging others to speak, taking notes, organising ideas), and be genuine in your interview because they want to hear all about you - but most of all enjoy it!