
Suzaita's story - an insight into working in Clinical Research
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? And even on the days that you don’t feel happy and fulfilled, you still do! Well that’s how I feel with life!"Part of my fulfillment includes being a Senior CRA at ICON.
At the age of 19, I entered the world of Pharmaceutical Clinical Research. It was a dream come true. I fell in love with the industry, as it gave me purpose and meaning. Now, here I am 27 years later, with my original love as a Senior CRA. This time at ICON.
Why am I sharing this? There are several reasons.
I feel called to share part of my story with the intention to inspire those who read this and express my gratitude to ICON and the people I work with.
At the age of 46, I’ve had a complete transformation with my identity. My life is just beginning. After going on a 3-year self-discovery journey, I returned to real life and found myself back in Corporate at ICON as a Senior CRA. I went back to doing what I love and what I’m good at. How can it get any better? This leads to the next point.Admittedly, I had some reservations because of how demanding the role of a CRA is. First, the travel takes a toll on the body. Second, the job of a CRA is complex, exceedingly challenging, and stressful. Third, I wondered what steps the industry has really taken to create a work-life balance for CRAs. (The industry knows there is a very high CRA burn-out rate).
Turns out, ICON is true to their word about work-life balance. It is a key driver for their high-performance culture. In fact, they have CRA metrics to monitor over-utilization. And it gets even better for me!
My functional manager (as in my direct report manager) is heart-centered, supportive, open and honest, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and reliable. She does not treat me like I’m another CRA-cog in the Clinical Operations Wheel. I feel her heart and genuine care. She truly cares for my well-being and professional growth and meets me with integrity and authenticity. I have an excellent relationship with her. She inspires me to do my very best!
I am part of a pivotal program to bring a new treatment to market for a silent disease affecting more than 100 million people around the world. The disease is known as NASH, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis, a progressive form of fatty liver disease related to poor quality lifestyle choices. There is no treatment for this disease, and I am part of a solution that can save the lives of millions of people. It is one of the ways I am able to contribute to the World.”
The people at ICON! I genuinely love the people I work with. My study managers are superstars! Their commitment, attention to detail, and expertise is next level. Their passion exudes in their work. To me, passion equals heart. And I gravitate towards these kinds of people.
The CRAs I work with are also superstars! They too are passionate and committed. I appreciate their genius and out-going, down-to-earth nature. They are empowered and have a strong sense of self, which speaks to ICON’s high performance culture. Even though I am seasoned, I continue to learn from the other CRAs. I just love them!
If there’s one thing I learned in my self-discovery journey, what we focus on is what we energize and what becomes the experience of our reality. So for me, I choose to focus on the goodness of everything with gratitude.
That being said…thank you ICON! Thank you for the opportunity to serve patients and your organization and for demonstrating that you truly care about the well-being of your employees. Because I am living proof!
If you are interested in joining our Clinical Research Associate team, please take a look at our current CRA vacancies here.
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 at ICON
Salary
Location
Taipei
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Taipei
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
As a Clinical Research Associate you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.Working location: Taiwan Client Office
Reference
2025-119183
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Sandy TangAuthor
Sandy TangSalary
Location
Amsterdam
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Amsterdam
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotech
Reference
2025-118645
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Iris BrouwerAuthor
Iris BrouwerSalary
Location
Belgium, Mechelen
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Mechelen
Remote Working
Hybrid: Office/Remote
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
We are currently seeking a Clinical Research Associate II Specialist to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Clinical Research Associate II Specialist at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in desig
Reference
JR129162
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Jakob SchonbergerAuthor
Jakob SchonbergerSalary
Location
Bangkok
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Bangkok
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
Title: CRA II Location: Bangkok, Thailand (home-based) As an experienced Clinical Research Associate, you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, power
Reference
2025-119259
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Youngae "May" ChoAuthor
Youngae "May" ChoRelated stories
.png)
Teaser label
Inside ICONContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/08/2025
Summary
Standing Strong on Ovarian Cancer Day: ICON's Commitment to Advancing Care Ovarian cancer remains one of the most challenging gynaecologic malignancies, both in terms of detection and treatmen
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/07/2025
Summary
Patient Centricity in Clinical Research: What it is and Why it Matters In the past, clinical research was designed around the needs of sponsors, researchers, and regulatory bodies. Patients were of
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/05/2025
Summary
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Comparing FDA, EMA, & MHRA in Clinical Trials In clinical research, no matter how promising a new therapy may be, it will go nowhere without regulatory appro
Recently viewed jobs
Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.
At ICON, our employees are our greatest strength. That’s why we are committed to empowering you to live your best life, both inside and outside of work. Whether your ambition is lead a global team, become a deep scientific or technical expert, work in-house with our customers or gain experience in a variety of different ICON functions, we will support you in realising your full potential. See all locations Learn more about Our Culture at ICON