CRA Careers:
CRA Careers are available, but…
…finding the path can be a challenge. We are aware of organizations that are working to better define that career path and will share more information as it becomes available.
But in the meantime, here are some things to consider:
Don’t underestimate the power of ‘working up to the role’.
The experience you gain in a CRC (Clinical Research Coordinator) or CTA (Clinical Trial Assistant) role will be extremely helpful in establishing your industry foundations.
Consider certifications.
This means more than ACRP or SOCRA certifications. Focus on any coursework that falls under the GCP guidelines and definitely obtain your GCP certification.
One thing to note, don’t list an outdated certification on your resume. As an example, if you state that you hold a CCRA certification, assume your future employer will confirm that it is still active.
Focus on improving your soft skills.
The hard skills are teachable, but the soft skills are extremely important. In all actuality, I will hire someone with strong soft skills who is underqualified over a qualified candidate who still needs to hone his/her soft skills.
Anyone looking to develop themselves into a mature CRA must improve their soft skills. Communication skills, time management, organizational skills, conflict management…And that is the topic of this podcast.
Check out our supporting blog posts and certainly reach out if you need coaching.
- The CRA Career Path and Public Speaking (Guest Blog)
- How to Become a CRA
- Is it Smart to Apply to Multiple Job Openings With the Same Company?
Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on:
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Hello! I hope you are fine
I want to become a CRA member, a very energetic and hardworking person who wants change in their life, adjust in any environment and will do better about job prospective.
Thank you
Zaid, thank you for reaching out. In terms of entry level CRA positions, Sponsors and CROs rarely hire recruiting agencies such as mine to fulfill those positions.
It doesn’t mean entry level positions don’t exist, however. I would recommend you reach out to the ‘Big 5’ CROs (IQVIA, SYNEOS, PAREXEL, PPD, and ICON). They all have terrific entry level programs. They don’t always post their entry level positions so networking is key.
Additionally, Medpace and Novella have entry level programs too. You can also seek out a coach such as Jasmyn Adams (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmynadams/) or Elizabeth Weeks-Rowe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-weeks-rowe-15337419/).
We also offer a free email course which will help you become a more competitive job seeker. It is the same information we share with the CRAs we are representing. You can sign up for this course on our blog (opt-in is in the right panel of https://craresources.com/blog/).
When you have gained a couple of years’ experience as a CRA (for a Sponsor or CRO), please do consider working with us. I look forward to collaborating with you in the future.
Angela
Hi there this is Ravi international medical graduate and working as crc in Sylvester cancer center with oncology experience. I am currently looking for cra1 as I have crc 2 years experience in oncology please let me know how I can transit quickly
As I think this is right time
Ravipal, thank you for reaching out and congratulations on your clinical research foundations. I want to be transparent in that in terms of entry level CRA positions, Sponsors and CROs rarely hire recruiting agencies such as mine to fulfill those positions.
It doesn’t mean entry level positions don’t exist, however. I would recommend you reach out to the ‘Big 5’ CROs (IQVIA, SYNEOS, PAREXEL, PPD, and ICON). They all have terrific entry level programs. They don’t always post their entry level positions so networking is key.
Additionally, Medpace and Novella have entry level programs too. You can also seek out a coach to help you with your branding (there are several in the industry who can help with this).
We also offer a free email course which will help you become a more competitive job seeker. It is the same information we share with the CRAs we are representing. You can sign up for this course on our blog (opt-in is in the right panel of https://craresources.com/blog/).
When you have gained a couple of years’ experience as a CRA in North America (for a Sponsor or CRO), please do consider working with us. I look forward to collaborating with you in the future.
Angela