Modern medicine is always changing, and some developments were brought into the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was catching the eye of millions of households around the world, clinical research wove its way into the sights of Project Coordinator Eleanor Teague. Eleanor joined Medpace in 2020, a time of both collective and personal uncertainty.
In spring 2020, Eleanor was fresh off of graduation with degrees in both Marketing and Education Studies, yet she didn’t feel a distinct pull in either direction. Joining the working world during a pandemic had impacted Eleanor’s career goals and personal goals; she knew she hadn’t quite found that spark – that calling or passion for a job or industry. With nowhere to go but forward, she began her career in real estate working on the marketing side. Not long into her first post-grad role, Eleanor quickly realized this wasn’t the best fit. Unsure of her next move, she thought back to the height of the pandemic. The global event changed the way Eleanor thought about the healthcare industry. Even though she hadn’t previously considered a path in the medical field, she closely followed the development of treatments for COVID-19. With consideration for this budding interest, she refined her job search and stumbled across Medpace. She had heard a slew of good reviews and found that her healthcare-focused boxes were checked.
What better time to take a risk?
Eleanor put down roots in Cincinnati and started her first day at Medpace donning the title of TMF (Trial Master File) Administrator. This was her segue into the world of clinical research where she was introduced to a broad view of clinical research. She learned how to manage clinical trial documents, perform quality checks, close a study once it had concluded, and so much more. Even after just a short time working with clinical trials, Eleanor felt it – that tug that told her Medpace is where she belonged. She immediately knew that her future lay in clinical research.
After just one year in her role, Eleanor was flourishing and knew she had made the right choice. Her professional goals continued to develop, and she was ready for a greater challenge. Upon a browse of the internal careers page, she came across an open position for a Project Coordinator. Once again, Eleanor felt that pull. This time with concrete confidence and a sliver of…something else. An equal inkling of intimidation was nagging her as she pursued this challenge. “It is sometimes intimidating transferring within departments and seeing a whole other side of the clinical trials and having to learn much more information…” Eleanor confides. Nevertheless, her strategic risk won out yet again, and she was met with nothing but support from her managers. This made the transition process even smoother; not only was she offered the job after her interview, but she was given the option to choose her preferred therapeutic area. A few months later, Eleanor came into work as the new Project Coordinator for oncology/hematology.
“Because of those changes and taking risks, I was able to land myself where I am now.”
Excited by the opportunity, Eleanor naturally developed some new career goals. Common expectations outlined in the job posting included an increased workload and a more in-depth role in managing clinical trials. However, her previous role carved out a space for Eleanor to learn more about herself and better understand her career-based likes and interests. Stepping into her new role, she established some new goals like learning something new every day and having genuine interest in her work. With a tangible career path, Eleanor’s anticipation only grew, and with it came a myriad of hopes. She confidently says that “this role checks that box every day without a doubt.”
Eleanor’s new career goals have also granted her new personal goals. “After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I never planned on getting my Masters,” she explains. “But since I have an idea now of what direction I plan to take with this career, I plan to continue my education and get my master’s degree in health administration.” Eleanor empathizes with current and upcoming new graduates because she knows all too well that most new grads “expect to have it all figured out the second they graduate.” Trying new things and dipping your toes into industries or fields you had never previously considered could be instrumental in uncovering your passion, Eleanor shares.
As the new graduating class enters the workforce, Eleanor will be the first to advocate for a role as a Project Coordinator. But what’s really important is finding what works for you and reaching for opportunities that might be intimidating. Eleanor had been apprehensive about such a dramatic career shift, “but because of those changes and taking risks, I was able to land myself where I am now.”
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