Associate Clinical Data Manager Review

No two days are the same. Currently ,I have responsibility over the programmatic side of data cleaning (requesting and testing these), reviewing and create documentation for the Trial Master File and complete regular training to continue my development. On a daily basis I have contact with the team in Data Management, but I also speak to and work with Clinical Teams, Study Delivery Leads and Programming. Alongside study work I have had chance to work with multiple Employee Resource groups (ERG) at GSK and joined in on and helped to create STEM outreach programs as well as being an active member of the Women's Leadership Initiative Committee. These ERGs require my attention on a weekly or monthly basis and tasks can range from sending out an email communication to setting up an event. In my (rare) free time, I reach out to colleagues in other departments and speak with them about their roles and career pathways - everyone is super helpful and happy to talk!

I have learned so much in my year here and have had chance to put this to use in multiple opportunities. I had always considered communication a key strength of mine but working at GSK has vastly improved my presentation ability and confidence to join in on meeting discussion. Before starting my placement I didn't have any project management experience but have been given accountability over my own work and managed my own projects relating to both study and ERGs. Another skill that I have learned so much more about is organisation and planning. I have been given tips across my placement year and now use different methods to prioritise my workload (like the Eisenhower Matrix), setting realistic rather than ambitious deadlines and meeting facilitation.

I was given lots of responsibility, which sounds daunting but my line manager and my mentor checked in regularly to make sure I wasn't overwhelmed. I worked on two different studies and was given different areas of responsibility in both, in one trial I presented weekly to the Local Delivery Leads and carried out review on different sets of data, reporting this back to the Data Management team and working on improving the study. The other trial my responsibility involved working with the Clinical team and actioning their requests for data cleaning, creating training videos for sites about data entry and working on documentation for the Trial Master File. While my Mentor was away on holiday I was left in charge of the study, which was a big responsibility but a great opportunity to demonstrate my skills. These areas are aspects of work that full time GSK Employees undertake and I was trusted to regulate my own work and timelines and feedback to relevant parties.

I was predominantly supported by my Line Manager, Mentor and Buddy, however all members of GSK that I reached out to were happy to help. I worked with my Line Manager on a development plan and we worked on this together, setting goals across the year. I had weekly check-ins with both my Line Manager and Mentor, and they made sure they were readily available on MS Teams if I needed to message them. In each of my studies and in my ERG work I was always supported by the wider study team and communities involved. Everyone was happy to help at any point! I also had bi-monthly check-ins with my Buddy, who was assigned to me for guidance across my placement year and supported in more of a wellbeing capacity. I would like to note that my Mentor and Line Manager also checked in on wellbeing, but also study work.

As mentioned above everyone in the company was more than willing to and happy to help at any point. The Employee Resource Groups were aimed at supporting different groups of employees across the business, those with a disability, who identify as a member of LGBTQ+, Inclusion and Diversity, etc. these groups set up training and events across the year to support members and encourage allyship to each of it's causes. Training was widely available online through the virtual learning environment and through virtual sessions (like lectures) and in person. The IP Unite Committee ran sports, social and charity events across the year specifically for IP students. IP students were also invited to all staff social events.

I have loved my placement, even points where I was uncertain of my own abilities I was supported up by colleagues and peers and friends. Due to the culture of everyone around I would love to return to the company following my final year of university but I am not sure what team I would like to join. My favourite parts of working at GSK have been the opportunity for continual development as something that is not only available but actively encouraged, and the research and work that goes on here being able to expand my knowledge inside and outside of my placement department.

Yes

Reach out and ask questions from the Early Talent team (look on the website), I was lucky enough to attend a session lead by the Early Talent Team and I think this was really beneficial in the application process. I'd advise you to research into both the role you want to apply for and the company; be open to change I applied to a different placement here at GSK but still within clinical operations, the interview team thought my application was better suited for Data Management and that is what I then interviewed for. Also remain calm in the assessment centre and interview, there aren't any trick questions so just be yourself and do your best!