JUMP TO CONTENT
Shortlist
search jobs Search

Hyeyoung returns to ICON

Posting date: 15/11/2023
Author: Inside ICON
Join our Talent Community

Having departed ICON in 2017 as a Clinical Research Associate, Hyeyoung Cho returned in 2022 as a Clinical Operations Manager. In this blog, Hyeyoung shares more about her career at ICON.

Tell us about your role at ICON

I'm a Clinical Operations Manager for one of the FSP programs at ICON. Transitioning into a line manager role presented a fresh challenge as I lacked prior experience in this area which initially posed difficulties. I'm responsible for ensuring not only the retention and quality of work of my direct reports, but also maintaining close communication with our client. Fortunately, my fellow operations managers were extremely supportive, offering valuable advice and sharing their experiences. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me adapt to my new role effectively.

What initially drew you to ICON when you first joined the company?

ICON's extensive client base, which includes the top world leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, I initially joined ICON as a Clinical Research Associate in 2014 and I knew I would have more opportunities to participate in diverse clinical trials across various therapeutic areas.


What do you believe sets ICON apart from other companies in the industry and makes it a great place to work?

ICON is a leading global CRO that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement. With its expanding opportunities and strong focus on job security and career development, ICON is an excellent place to build a rewarding career.

How does ICON's mission and values align with your personal and professional goals?


Collaboration, which is one of ICON's values, aligns perfectly with my goals. Open and detailed communication is essential for ensuring the quality of my direct reports' work and for identifying opportunities to help them develop their careers and chart their future paths. To successfully collaborate with my team members and embark on a shared journey, collaboration must be built on a foundation of trust.

Are there any mentors or colleagues at ICON who have had a significant impact on your career growth, both during your first tenure and upon your return?

My current manager has been an invaluable mentor to me. Transitioning into a line management role presented a unique set of challenges, as I had no prior experience in this capacity. The strategies required to achieve my goals, lead my team effectively, and communicate with stakeholders were vastly different from my previous role. Despite these challenges, my manager has consistently demonstrated unwavering trust and encouragement, providing me with sage advice whenever I sought her guidance. Her support has instilled in me the confidence to pursue continuous improvement as a manager, even in the face of potential hurdles.

How do you see the future of your career at ICON, and what are your aspirations within the organization? 


As an aspiring junior manager, I am eager to embark on a career trajectory that leads to a senior management position at ICON. I firmly believe that ICON is an exceptional workplace, fostering a culture of mentorship and knowledge sharing among its capable managers. I am confident that by immersing myself in the diverse experiences that ICON offers, I will gain valuable insights and skills that will enable me to excel in my professional growth.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a return to ICON after leaving the company?

ICON remains a vibrant organization with a wealth of opportunities waiting to be explored. You will be welcomed back with open arms, and your past experiences at ICON will serve as a springboard for further success.

If you're interested in exploring a career at ICON, visit our current openings today.

List #1

Related jobs at ICON

Study Start up Associate

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Remote Working

Hybrid

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Study Start Up

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Study Start Up Associate I to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Study Start Up Associate I at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the initiation of clin

Reference

JR145419

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Elizabeth Davies

Author

Elizabeth Davies
Elizabeth Davies

Author

Elizabeth Davies
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Study Start up Associate

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Remote Working

Hybrid

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Study Start Up

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Study Start Up Associate I to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Study Start Up Associate I at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the initiation of clin

Reference

JR145416

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Elizabeth Davies

Author

Elizabeth Davies
Elizabeth Davies

Author

Elizabeth Davies
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Site Activation Partner

Salary

Location

Argentina, Buenos Aires

Location

Buenos Aires

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Study Start Up

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Site Activation Partner I to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Site Activation Partner at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating the initiation of clinical

Reference

JR145392

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Elizabeth Davies

Author

Elizabeth Davies
Elizabeth Davies

Author

Elizabeth Davies
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Graduate Pharmacovigilance Associate

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Drug Safety

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Graduate Pharmacovigilance Associate to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Graduate Pharmacovigilance Associate at ICON, you will play an essential role in supporting t

Reference

JR145488

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Tulio Sanquiz

Author

Tulio Sanquiz
Tulio Sanquiz

Author

Tulio Sanquiz
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Read more Shortlist Save this role
View all
List #1

Related stories

Nurse and patient
Understanding Roles in a Clinical Trial: Sponsors, CROs, and Sites

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

02/16/2026

Summary

What Sponsors, CROs, and Sites Each Do Clinical research brings together many organisations, each with a specific role in delivering a clinical trial. For those new to the industry, the relationsh

Teaser label

Learn how clinical trials are delivered by understanding the roles of sponsors, CROs, and sites.

Read more
Key skills that make candidates successful in FSP roles

Teaser label

Industry

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

02/16/2026

Summary

Functional Service Provision (FSP), also known as sponsor-embedded delivery, is a core part of how modern clinical research is delivered. At ICON Strategic Solutions, our teams work as an extens

Teaser label

In this blog, we outline the key skills and attributes that help professionals thrive in FSP environments and build long term careers in sponsor-embedded roles.

Read more
Headshot of female
From Lab Bench to Program Leadership: Sinéad McKeon's Career at ICON

Teaser label

Our People

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

02/05/2026

Summary

Building expertise through diverse roles and continuous learning Sinéad McKeon's career at ICON demonstrates how scientific training can evolve into strategic leadership. Now a Senior Manager in Lab

Teaser label

Discover how a career can evolve from hands on lab work to program management in this interview with Sinéad McKeon.

Read more
View all
List #1

Recently viewed jobs

View all
View Jobs

Browse popular job categories below or search all jobs above