Patrycja, Data Manager II

Why did you choose the Clinical Research industry?

I chose the Clinical Research industry because it aligns perfectly with my interests and aspirations. I've always been fascinated by the medical field and wanted to contribute to healthcare advancements, but I knew that being a doctor wasn't the right path for me.

Clinical Research offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the medical world without direct patient care. It allows me to play a crucial role in developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes, all while leveraging my skills in data analysis and project management. This industry provides a perfect blend of scientific rigor, technological innovation, and the satisfaction of knowing that our work has a real impact on people's lives. It's challenging and ever-evolving, which keeps me engaged and continuously learning.

In essence, Clinical Research allows me to pursue my interest in medicine and make a meaningful contribution to healthcare, all while playing to my strengths and preferences. It's proven to be an excellent fit for my career goals and personal interests.

What does a day in the life of a Data Manager look like?

As a Data Manager, my days are pretty varied and dynamic.

• I usually start by touching base with my Data Management team. It's about making sure everyone's on track and offering help where it's needed.
• A big part of my role is overseeing study data quality. This means I spend a good chunk of time reviewing data queries, looking for any odd trends, and making sure we're following our data management plans. I interact a lot with other departments too.
• You'll often find me in meetings with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, or Medical Monitoring teams. We're all working towards the same goal, so it's important we stay connected.
• Throughout the day, I keep an eye on our ongoing projects, making sure we're hitting our timelines and maintaining our quality standards. When issues pop up - and they always do - I'm there to help find solutions.
• I also make it a priority to maintain good relationships with everyone involved in our studies, both inside and outside the company. It's amazing how much smoother things run when everyone's on good terms.
• A key part of my job is being available to support my team and other departments. Whether it's answering questions or offering guidance on best practices, I'm here to help.
  

At the end of the day, my role is all about ensuring the data we collect in clinical studies is top-notch. It's challenging work, but knowing that we're contributing to advancing medical research makes it all worthwhile. It's a busy role, but I find it incredibly rewarding!

What part of your job as a Data Manager are you passionate about ?

What really gets me excited about my job is the sense of purpose behind it all. It's not just about managing data – it's about the real-world impact our work has.
There's this incredible feeling when you realize that the data you've been meticulously overseeing could lead to something big. One day, you're knee-deep in spreadsheets and queries, doing everything you can to ensure the sponsor gets the highest quality data possible. It's demanding work, no doubt about it. But then, some time later, you hear the news: that study you worked on? It's resulted in a new drug hitting the market. A drug that could potentially improve or even prolong patients' lives. That's when it really hits home – all those long hours, all that attention to detail, it wasn't just busy work. It was contributing to something truly meaningful. This is what drives me and my team.

We might not be in the labs or the clinics, but we play a crucial role in the process of bringing new treatments to those who need them. It's a powerful motivator, knowing that our commitment to data quality today could translate into better health outcomes for patients tomorrow. So while I enjoy the day-to-day aspects of my job, it's this bigger picture – this real, tangible purpose – that I'm truly passionate about. It's what makes all the challenges worthwhile and keeps me excited to come to work each day.

What skills are needed to be successful as a Data Manager within your team?

To thrive in our Data Management team, there's a mix of skills that really come in handy.

• Attention to detail is crucial. We're dealing with complex data sets, and even small errors can have big implications. So, having an eagle eye for spotting inconsistencies or potential issues is a real asset.
• Logical thinking is another big one. We often need to solve problems or figure out the best way to handle unique data situations. Being able to approach these challenges systematically and think through the implications of different solutions is key.
• Communication skills are absolutely vital. We're not working in a vacuum – we're constantly interacting with other teams and sponsors. Being able to explain complex data concepts clearly, whether in writing or verbally, can make a huge difference in how smoothly a study runs.
• Willingness to ask questions. In this field, there's always something new to learn, and it's better to seek clarification than to make assumptions. We encourage a culture where asking questions is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
• See the bigger picture. While our focus is on data management, understanding how our work fits into the larger context of the study – and even the broader goals of medical research – helps us make better decisions and contribute more effectively to the overall success of a project.

These skills combined help us maintain high standards in our data management work, collaborate effectively with other teams, and ultimately contribute to the success of clinical studies that can make a real difference in patients' lives.

What have you experienced at Parexel but not anywhere else?

There's something special about the work environment at Parexel that I haven't quite experienced anywhere else. It's a combination of things that really stand out to me. There's this genuine sense of camaraderie among team members. It's not just about getting the job done – people here actually care about each other. We support one another, celebrate each other's successes, and pitch in when someone's struggling. It creates this positive atmosphere that makes coming to work each day a lot more enjoyable.

It's reassuring to know that someone in a leadership position is so invested in our success and well-being. This level of support and the overall team dynamic create an environment where I feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do my best work. It's not something I take for granted, and it's definitely a standout aspect of my experience at Parexel.

How do you work "With Heart ™" and, what does it mean to you as a Data Manager?

In my day-to-day activities, I'm constantly dealing with data – numbers, statistics, queries, and reports. It would be easy to get lost in the technicalities and forget what it all represents. But I always try to keep this thought in the back of my mind: behind every single data point, there's a real person. A patient who's hoping for the best possible outcome from their participation in the study. This perspective changes how I approach my work.

When I'm reviewing data or resolving queries, I'm not just thinking about maintaining data integrity or meeting project timelines – though those are certainly important. I'm thinking about the patient who took the time to participate in the study, who's hoping that their contribution will lead to better treatments. It means being extra vigilant in ensuring data quality because I know that accurate data can lead to more effective treatments. It means pushing for efficiency in our processes because I understand that faster data management can contribute to getting potentially life-changing drugs to market sooner.

To me, working 'With Heart ™' means never forgetting the bigger picture of what we're doing. It's about remembering that our work, even when it feels removed from direct patient care, has the potential to improve or even save lives. It's what motivates me to give my best every day, knowing that somewhere out there, a patient and their doctor are counting on the outcomes of our work.

How has Parexel supported your career growth within Data Operations?

My experience with Parexel's support for career growth has been pretty remarkable, to be honest. It all started in an unexpected way – the talent acquisition team actually found me when I wasn't even actively job hunting. At that point, I didn't have a ton of experience, but they saw something in me that I maybe didn't even see in myself at the time. After going through the interview process, I was offered a position as a Senior Clinical Data Analyst. It was a great opportunity, and I jumped at it. What really struck me from the beginning was how Parexel seemed to be investing in potential rather than just looking at years of experience. Once I started, things moved quickly. I was assigned to studies that really challenged me and allowed me to grow rapidly. The learning curve was steep, but I had support every step of the way. The most exciting part? Within less than a year, I was promoted to a Data Management Lead role. That kind of rapid progression isn't something you see everywhere, and it really showed me that Parexel is serious about developing talent from within. What I've come to realize is that at Parexel, your career growth is limited only by your own ambition and willingness to learn. If you're passionate about your work and eager to take on new challenges, the opportunities are there for the taking. There's a culture here that encourages continuous learning and development. Looking back, I'm amazed at how far I've come in such a short time. And looking forward, I genuinely feel like the sky's the limit. As long as you're committed to your work and eager to grow, Parexel provides the environment and support to help you reach your career goals.

How does Parexel support flexibility and work-life balance?

Parexel really supports flexibility and work-life balance, which I greatly appreciate. There's no pressure to work late – when I do, it's because I feel it's necessary, not because it's expected.

My line manager and team are understanding when I need to adjust my schedule. This flexibility allows me to balance my work and personal life effectively. It's clear that Parexel trusts us to manage our time and get our work done. This approach creates a positive environment where I feel valued as a whole person, not just an employee. It allows me to give my best to both my job and personal life without feeling like I'm sacrificing one for the other.

This flexibility is one of the things that makes working at Parexel so rewarding. It's not just talk – it's put into practice daily, and it makes a real difference in my overall job satisfaction.

How does your role as a Data Manager contribute to the Parexel behaviors?

• Commit to excellence
• Win as one team
• Deliver 'With Heart ™' and determination
• Own the outcome

My role as a Data Manager contributes to Parexel's core behaviors in several ways:
Commit to Excellence: I ensure the highest quality in our data processes and outputs.
Win as One Team: I collaborate closely with other departments to align our work for project success.
Deliver 'With Heart ™' and Determination: I remind my team that behind every data point is a patient, driving our motivation and empathy.
Own the Outcome: I take full responsibility for our deliverables, leading by example in both successes and challenges.

What do you want candidates to know about your role before accepting an offer?

It's a challenging position that demands attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex projects. You'll face tight deadlines and intricate data issues. However, it's also incredibly rewarding. Your work directly contributes to advancing medical research and patient care. The sense of purpose you get from potentially helping bring life-changing treatments to patients is unparalleled. While it's not an easy role, the personal and professional satisfaction makes it truly worth the effort. If you're passionate about making a difference in healthcare and up for a challenge, this role can be extremely fulfilling.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I'm a total foodie. I love exploring new restaurants, trying out different cuisines, and even experimenting with cooking at home. I'm also the proud owner of what I consider to be the best dog in the world. My Frenchie is a constant source of joy and companionship. Whether it's going for walks, playing in the park, or just cuddling on the couch, time with my dog is always a highlight of my day.