Everyone starts somewhere. Sure, it may feel intimidating to break into an industry like Clinical Research, but it’s definitely possible. 

Many Clinical Research roles require experience and may have expectations for your educational background, but there are also entry-level roles that put you on a clear path to what you envision for your future career.

The key is knowing where to start and how to build your path intentionally. When you have the key, you don’t have to break in, even if you lack experience.

Manage Your Expectations (and Your Mindset)

When you’re in the job market, you can save yourself some stress and heartache if you are realistic. 

Do you have your heart set on becoming a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or Clinical Trial Manager (CTM)? These are two of the most coveted roles in Clinical Research. But you won’t begin your career in this industry in either of those roles. The CRA and CTM roles are not entry-level. They require experience and skills that you can only get from working in other Clinical Research roles.

Instead of feeling discouraged, focus on a growth mindset. Rather than looking at what steps you can skip to get ahead, figure out how to take the right first steps that lead to the best next steps.

Your first steps may be to prioritize your education, work toward a certification, or take on any hands-on experience you can get. You may enroll in a training course, read a book, or build connections in Clinical Research. You may accept an entry-level job with a lower salary. 

These are all great first steps. And they may be great next steps, too. Continue to manage your expectations. Your Clinical Research career is a marathon — not a sprint.

Ready to get started? Here are five steps you can take to break into Clinical Research — even if you don’t have experience (yet).

Step 1: Learn the Industry

Step one is how you can set yourself apart from the very beginning. 

Get some background about Clinical Research. Gain an understanding of how it works. Who are the key players (Sponsor vs. CRO), what are the key roles (CRC vs. CTA vs. CRA vs. CTM), and what is the key terminology (adverse event (AE) vs. protocol deviation (PD))? 

Your knowledge, even if it’s basic, will help you:

• Determine the types of roles you look for and the types of companies where you want to work
• Answer interview questions in thoughtful ways that show you put in time and effort to learn and prepare
• Feel confident when you accept your offer and start your new job
• Understand some of your responsibilities
• Set yourself up for success in your first Clinical Research role

With tons of information available at your fingertips, this step shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. Here are three actionable ways to start learning all things Clinical Research:

1. Follow industry leaders on LinkedIn. 
2. Explore free content from ClinEssentials to gain real-world insights. From blog posts to how-to videos to freebie resources, it’s all available on the website.
3. Join professional groups and discussions online. Interact with the posts from the industry leaders you follow. Ask questions. Stay engaged. Find others to follow.

Learning about Clinical Research is your first step toward opportunity. 

Step 2: Explore Entry-Level Roles

Your new understanding of Clinical Research will help you on your next step. Now, it’s time to learn more about the entry-level roles and potential career paths.

Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) — CRCs typically work on-site, directly with patients. They support, facilitate, and organize daily clinical trial activities at their research site. Job responsibilities for CRCs may include patient recruitment, collecting vitals and labs, and conducting study procedures outlined in the protocol.

*Potential career path: CRC → Lead CRC → CRA → Senior CRA → CTM

Data Entry Specialist — Data Entry Specialists ensure the information collected by the Principal Investigator (PI) and Clinical Research Coordinator on site is entered into the study database accurately. Their job responsibilities may include data entry, answering queries to resolution and interacting with the CRA during on-site monitoring visits.

*Potential career path: Data Entry Specialist → CRC → Lead CRC → CTA → CRA

Research Assistant (RA) — RAs work with CRCs on-site to support the planning, conduct, and documentation of clinical trials. They may also interact with patients. Job responsibilities for RAs may include supporting patient visits, data collection, data entry, and sample handling.

*Potential career path: RA → CRC → Lead CRC → CRA → CTM

Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) — CTAs provide administrative support to keep studies organized, compliant, and running smoothly. They do not interact with patients. Job responsibilities for CTAs may include maintaining study files, managing documents, coordinating meetings, and tracking and reporting.

*Potential career path: CTA → Senior CTA → CTM

Project Specialist (PS) — PSs support the Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) on a clinical trial. Job responsibilities for PSs may include managing timelines, maintaining study trackers, providing meeting support, and performing administrative tasks. 

*Potential career path: PS → CTA → Sr. CTA → CTM

Each of these roles is an opportunity to build valuable foundational experience. The brief descriptions above may be enough to help you choose a few of the roles to look at more in-depth. Job websites like Indeed are great places to learn more about the specific expectations and responsibilities for a role. 

Please note, the titles above may differ between companies. Be sure to check the job description to align expectations.

Step 3: Invest in Resources for Your Future

If you’ve made it to step three, you’ve already invested time in learning about Clinical Research and exploring the different entry-level roles. Great job! 

With knowledge comes confidence. And even though you can find a lot of information on LinkedIn and industry websites (hopefully you’ve tapped into the ClinEssentials Resource Library too!), you may also consider a small financial investment for your future. 

Yes, there are certifications for research professionals, CRCs, and CRAs, but you’re not there yet. Until you’re working in Clinical Research and are certain it’s right for you, these certifications are not the best next step.

Instead, you could spend just $9.99 on the Introduction to Clinical Research Guidebook. This eBook is a great resource to help you navigate the industry. And it’s loaded (jam-packed) with value  — career pathways, suggested training, trusted websites, pro tips, steps to Clinical Research career success, and much more. Download the Guidebook once, and it’s yours to refer back to forever.  

You and your career are worth the investment.

Step 4: Build Connections and Get Involved

You’ve followed leaders in Clinical Research on LinkedIn. Maybe you’ve interacted with a few posts (not just a “like” or “celebrate,” but comments and questions). Now it’s time for the next step.

Networking and connections lead to building relationships. Relationships often lead to opportunities. And maintaining these relationships can lead to more opportunities in the future.

LinkedIn is great. But it’s time to step outside the LinkedIn online comfort zone and propel your networking forward by meeting people in person or virtually. 

Join a local professional organization, volunteer, or attend networking events. Here are a few connection-building opportunities to consider:

• The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) has local chapters. Members make connections, engage in person, have access to professional development seminars, and participate in volunteer activities. 
• The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) also has local chapters that invite members to exchange information, grow professionally, and build strong foundations in Clinical Research.
• Some job sites post volunteer roles in Clinical Research. While mostly unpaid, this gets you in the door, which could lead to a paid position in the future. These volunteer roles are ideal for students who are interested in Clinical Research but aren’t ready for a full-time position.

If you haven’t followed ClinEssentials and Director of Operations, Tiffany Ashton, on LinkedIn yet, do that right away. That’ll keep you connected to the Clinical Research community. (Make sure you read through the post comments — you’ll learn a lot!)

Step 5: Be Patient, Persistent, and Purposeful

Step 5 is the most difficult — especially the part about being patient. 

Growth in Clinical Research, like most other industries, takes time. You aren’t going to make that six-figure salary you’ve dreamed about right away. But with each step, small and large, you build valuable experience, skills, knowledge, connections, and overall industry know-how. 

You will move on from your entry-level job. And eventually, you will make it to the role you truly desire (with the salary you’ve worked hard to obtain).

So, continue to be patient, no matter how trying that may be. 

Continue to be persistent. Reach out with a well-written DM to the people who post job openings on LinkedIn, don’t just say “I’m interested” under their job post. Show up at networking events. Grow your network all throughout your career and not just when you need a new job. Be genuine and connect with those in the Clinical Research industry before you need a favor.

Lastly, continue to be purposeful. You can narrow your search when you figure out the role you seek and the type of company where you wish to work. Take your time when you submit a resume and ensure it’s a job you actually want. 

Your Future in Clinical Research Starts Now

You don’t have to break into Clinical Research when you have the key to get in the door. Follow these five steps, and the key to Clinical Research is well within reach. 

Be open to entry-level jobs. In Clinical Research, every role contributes to improving and saving lives. 

Learn, connect, and grow. These are steps you can keep with you throughout your career. 

Start today with Step One. Your Clinical Research career is waiting. 

Your roadmap is ready to guide your way. Get a copy of the Introduction to Clinical Research Guidebook.