A semester-long internship turned career trajectory change, Clinical Research Associate Taylor Guidi transformed classroom intrigue into a calling.
Inception of a Five-Year Plan
In the home stretch to graduation, Taylor had one semester and one internship left to complete. She would soon accept her diploma and return for her Doctorate in Pharmacy, yet like many college students, her plans shifted after an eye-opening discovery and a new path emerged. Hailing from the Clinical Research Department, a guest speaker visited one of Taylor’s classes, formally introducing her to the clinical research industry. A five-year goal began to take shape. First: secure an internship in clinical research. Next: become a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). Finally: don the title of Clinical Research Associate (CRA).
Taylor was used to patient-facing roles, so when it came time to select an internship, she chose a spot at a site where she was able to shadow CRCs and work with patients throughout clinical trials. She found herself “on the front lines with patients who are in clinical trials and seeing firsthand the impact research has on patients.” She was exactly where she needed to be.
Taylor officially accepted a role as a CRC after graduation, and soon she was fulfilling both her dreams and goals, a combination that energized her passion for healthcare and research. During her time as a CRC, she worked alongside CRAs at her site, quietly learning more about the role.
Growing Pains
On a constant quest to be challenged in her work, Taylor knew she was ready for the next chapter. She was eager to gain new skills and develop her spot within the clinical research industry. After nearly three years, her career as a CRA was born.
Taylor joined Medpace as a CRA, and with a new role also came growth and adjustments. While she was excited with the opportunity, she also faced the reservations many experience during a period of change. Almost immediately, her anxieties eased with her introduction to the Mentorship Program. She was connected with a Training & Development Manager, a mentor to help her through the PACE® training program, and her Clinical Research Associate Manager (CRAM). From help with structuring her day, working through training items, general support, and more, the robust mentorship helped Taylor quickly adjust to her new career. “The Mentorship Program was the one thing that was most helpful when I started with Medpace,” Taylor shares.
Now over a year into her career as a CRA, Taylor reflects on her time as a CRC. She carries a wealth of knowledge from her previous role, but what sticks out most aren’t the technical skills. “Being a CRC definitely helped me understand the way a site operates, and I can empathize with the site when it comes to conducting a study,” Taylor says. Having experience at the site level gives Taylor an inside perspective which allows for better overall communication and helps the study move smoothly. Her CRC background has also allowed her love for clinical research to flourish, “I think I am more appreciative of the industry and the impact it has on the healthcare field.”
Embrace the Challenge
As for those who are considering a pivot from CRC to CRA of their own, Taylor has some advice. “Do not doubt the skills you learned as a CRC,” she declares. These skills have laid the foundation for work as a CRA, and they will be built upon during a career transition. Like any career move, it can be challenging at times, but in Taylor’s case, passion is what drove her and support is what saved her. Lean into the support you have, Taylor advises. Ask questions. Be open to feedback.
Both CRC and CRA roles are instrumental in the success of a clinical trial. While each play separate roles, everyone works together to ensure the study runs efficiently and patients are safe. If you’re looking to make a pivot into the Clinical Research Associate role, visit our careers page to find opportunities and learn more about the role.
Medpace careers