Experience: The Entry-Level Job Catch 22
Hey Connie,
I'm a recent college graduate with a bachelor’s of science in Biochemistry. I want to start a career in the pharmaceutical industry working for a clinical research organization (CRO) as a clinical research associate or coordinator. The problem is that just about every CRO requires at least one year of experience! How do I ever gain experience if no company is willing to hire someone without experience? I'm so confused! Please help! I need to know how to get my feet wet!
Sincerely,
Ashley G.
Charleston, South Carolina
Answer
Hi Ashley,
I know it may seem frustrating that the one job you want requires you to have experience doing that job before you even have a chance to get your feet wet! But there is a way out of this catch 22.
The main function of a clinical research associate is to monitor clinical trails. CROs are either employed directly with the sponsor of the clinical trial or as an independent freelancer.
If a company will not hire you, perhaps you can work freelance. If that doesn't work, perhaps you can get some other kind of position in compliance in this industry. This would not include clinical trails but you could work you way up to that eventually.
Getting a position of lesser responsibility allows you to do a great job, build a stellar reputation and get promoted. Having a broad base knowledge of a company and industry will only make you a better CRO. It may take a bit longer, but you'll be all the more better because of your background.
Making sure you are well versed in local regulations that ensure good clinical practice is followed at all times can only help your chances and you can let your knowledge show through in your cover letter and perhaps even in your resume somehow. In the United States, the rules are codified in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Any job search involves research so this should be part of your pre-work before interviewing and applying. Ensuring the interviewer knows you know this can only help.
Good luck to you!
Connie
Connie Thanasoulis is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a success-coaching firm that equips college students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge essential to ensuring success early on in their careers. She comes from 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Citigroup.
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