How to Shadow a Clinical Research Associate

A clinical research career can be interesting and rewarding.

Clinical research associates work in a variety of fields including pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and contract research organizations. Many organizations offer work-shadowing opportunities to individuals as a beneficial learning opportunity. As of December 15, 2010, the website Pay Scale suggests that a median salary for a clinical research associate is $53,459 per year. A clinical research associate should be able to work to tight deadlines, have attention to detail and be an efficient team member.

Instructions

1. Search company websites to ascertain whether they have a formal work-shadowing program and ask your college career's service for details of opportunities. According to the Careers Service at the University of Sheffield, most people organize work shadowing by contacting organizations directly, so prepare your resume to support your application.

2. Find the appropriate individual to approach within the company. Most organizations profile their employees on the company website. If there is a team of clinical researchers, select the departmental head as he will probably make the decision. If you cannot access this information, ask the human resources department for the details of the appropriate person to contact.

3. Call, email or write to the contact making your letter professional and succinct. Katherine Hansen, Ph.D., of QuintCareers.com suggests making initial contact several weeks' in advance of your preferred shadowing dates. Include details of your aims, why you would like to shadow this particular associate and offer or include a copy of your resume.

4. Call one week later if you haven't received a reply, Hansen suggests, remembering that your contact is a busy professional. Be prepared to be flexible to fit in with his or her schedule. Arrange dates.

5. Arrive on time and behave professionally. Dress appropriately at the same level as a job interview or company employees. Be polite and courteous throughout the shadowing experience.

6. Ask questions, take notes and show enthusiasm. Attend company meetings if allowed as this will provide an insight into the organization. Ask your professional to introduce you to other members of the team so you can understand other job functions. Enjoy the experience and learn as much as you can.

7. Write a thank-you card to the professional you shadowed, thanking the individual for the time and help given. If you are at school or college, write a report on your experience and send a copy to the professional and the human resources department.

Tips & Warnings

• The Institute of Clinical Research provides training and career information for those interested in the industry.

• The Job Shadow website provides a range of resources that may assist you in searching for shadowing opportunities.

References

• Pay Scale: Salary For Industry: Clinical Research
• The University of Sheffield: Work Experience 4: Work Shadowing
• Quintessential Careers: Research Companies and Careers Through Job Shadowing

Resources

• The Institute Of Clinical Research: Home
• Job Shadow: Home