Could you be ICON's next CRA? Yes, and here's how
Navigating the world of graduate schemes and positions can be daunting, especially if you’re not quite sure of the role or company you want to align yourself with. At ICON, we recognise what a significant life step this is, and we endeavour to ensure graduates are equipped with all the information they need to make their decision.
Clinical research in the UK has boomed over the last few decades but 2019 was a record-breaking year that saw an equivalent of 2,383 participants involved in a clinical trial each day. But what is it like to be involved in this work and more importantly how do you land a job?
Tim Williamson, a Melbourne-based Senior CRA with a laboratory research background, spoke to us about his role and why graduates should consider joining the company to kick-start their career in the life sciences sector.
I began my career working in academic laboratory-based research, but always knew I’d move into a more commercial field when the time was right.
I took up a position working in the clinical trials section of an oncology department at a major local hospital, which provided exposure to working with sponsor companies and CROs (such as ICON). This contact allowed me to move into the CRO industry, and I haven’t looked back.
Why should graduates consider becoming CRAs?
I’m a science graduate myself, and I think the CRA role gives graduates the best of both worlds - working in a professional corporate environment while still having a strong connection with science. Demand for qualified and experienced CRAs is high, so graduates who follow this path have the potential for a brilliant career trajectory. Additionally, graduates have the chance to turn scientific ideas from the lab into new market drugs.
It’s also worth considering the state of the current market and to look ahead to the future. The clinical trials market is forecasted to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.05% between 2020 to 2025. Though this is only a prediction and the annual growth could be affected by many external factors, the future of clinical research looks bright.
What are the career progression opportunities like?
Graduates who enter the life sciences industry, particularly within CROs and in CRA roles, have plenty of opportunities to progress. Within the CRA field, there are senior and lead roles which offer increased responsibilities (and salaries) while there is also the opportunity to move into project management and line management.
ICON’s global scope means that there’s the opportunity to work in other countries around the world. ICON has a presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas, so those graduates with wanderlust could eventually apply their skills in a number of different places internationally.
Here’s an overview of some exciting science-based careers in clinical research.
What degree do graduates need to work as a CRA at ICON?
Graduates ideally need to have some kind of science, bio-medical, nursing or pharmacy degree to be considered for the role of a CRA. Learn more about our international CRA Graduate Programme.
What should graduates do to set themselves up for career success?
Never underestimate the importance of networking. Undergraduates don’t need to wait until they’re looking at graduate schemes to start building a valuable pool of contacts – they can do this throughout their studies. I also think it’s important to be fearless when it comes to asking for advice and guidance. Perseverance is key, particularly when it comes to sniffing out entry-level positions in your chosen field.
With remote hiring on the rise, now is the perfect time to brush up on your digital interviewing skills.
How can graduates make themselves more attractive to ICON recruiters?
My advice to future graduates is simple: do your research. Learn as much as you can about the clinical research industry, the CRO world and ICON - particularly before you get to any interview stages in your application– and your career options in clinical research. If you can, speak to a CRA about what their day-to-day tasks and challenges are. Then take what you’ve learnt and think about how your skills and qualities align with the CRA role. You’ll need to demonstrate flexibility, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, public speaking, time and task management, medical and scientific literacy, and an ability to be a team player. If you’re enthusiastic and willing to learn, you’ll be much more attractive to ICON employers.
Why choose ICON?
ICON’s supportive management structure and productive and friendly working environment make for an excellent company. This is complemented by teams filled with talented and driven people, plus a really attractive salary package. What's more, ICON is growing as a company globally, and graduates can take advantage of this to really propel their careers. We're investing in the future of Clinical Research Associates.
We want to be the partner of choice in drug development. We’re driven by this vision and looking for talented professionals to share it with. If you’d like to join the team at ICON take a look at our clinical research jobs or find out more about a day in the life of a CRA.
Sign up for post alerts
ICON & You
The potential of together.
Careers that improve the lives of patients, our clients and each other. Are you ready to make a difference?
View jobsRelated jobs
Salary
Location
Australia, Sydney
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Real World Solutions
Location
Perth
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission to advance and improve patients’ lives. Our ‘Own I
Reference
JR106113
Expiry date
05/22/2024
Author
Alvin ParkAuthor
Alvin ParkSalary
Location
Japan, Tokyo
Department
Full Service - Development & Commercialisation Solutions
Location
Osaka
Tokyo
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission to advance and improve patients’ lives. Our ‘Own
Reference
JR107333
Expiry date
05/19/2024
Author
Mai TakanashiAuthor
Mai TakanashiSalary
Location
Argentina, Buenos Aires
Location
Buenos Aires
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission to advance and improve patients’ lives. Our ‘Own
Reference
JR105924
Expiry date
05/12/2024
Author
Ana LuciaAuthor
Ana LuciaSalary
Location
Romania, Bucharest
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Bucharest
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission to advance and improve patients’ lives. Our ‘Own I
Reference
JR107784
Expiry date
05/12/2024
Author
Tereza SvobodovaAuthor
Tereza SvobodovaRelated stories

Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/05/2023
Summary
Clinical trials are cutting-edge research studies designed to evaluate medical interventions, including surgical and behavioural procedures and products. In Ireland, they must be authorised by

Teaser label
A Day In The LifeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/21/2023
Summary
From Clinical Trial Assistant to Clinical Operations Manager, Adrienne Purdy shares her journey.Tell us about you role and what you do at ICON? I have been at ICON since 2013 and I have been growing
by
Adrienne Purdy

Teaser label
A Day In The LifeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/05/2023
Summary
Senior Clinical Research Associate Suzaita Hipolito talks about the satisfaction gained from working in Clinical Research. “What would it look like to wake up every day feeling happy and fulfilled?
by
Suzaita Hipolito
Recently viewed jobs
A better career. A better world. A better you.
Our people are our greatest strength, are the core of our culture and the driving force behind our success. Throughout all levels of the company, our people have a drive to succeed and a passion that ensures what we do, we do well. We help you build exciting and rewarding careers, deliver results to help bring life-changing medicine and devices to market and maintain ICON’s success as an industry leader. Read more