Senior Vice President Nina Clarke-Walker of HRCRS Highlights the Value of Obedtek's Programs
Internships can open doors to jobs, offering hands-on experience and a chance to prove your abilities.
Mentorship, Momentum and Mindset are central to leadership insights from Nina Clarke-Walker, Senior Vice President of Clinical Research at HRCRS. With experience spanning UBC, PPD, PRA Health Sciences, and Johnson and Johnson’s Mentor Worldwide, Nina offers both broad perspective and practical guidance for advancing careers in clinical research. She shared her leadership journey, qualities she values in rising professionals, and how programs like Clintern Ascend can help bridge entry into the industry.
Nina emphasizes navigating career transitions with strategy, alignment, and networking. Timing, team culture, and aligning with an organization’s strategic direction are key. Networking plays a pivotal role in career advancement, particularly in smaller industries like pharma and med tech. She advises building meaningful connections to open doors to new opportunities.
Real-world, remote experience is particularly valuable. Combining self-paced training with hands-on internships allows participants to contribute while learning, often leading directly to employment. Key traits for success include proactivity, preparation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Mentorship is crucial, especially for those entering the field without established networks. Programs like Clintern Ascend provide structured training, access, and guidance, helping individuals gain skills and connect with industry mentors. Nina also highlights workforce readiness gaps, encouraging aspiring professionals to research companies, learn about technology, and seek observation or internship opportunities to gain experience.
Nina’s advice to emerging leaders is to be curious, bold, and build networks and knowledge that open doors to opportunities that might not be immediately visible. Programs like Clintern Ascend equip professionals to gain skills, confidence, and experience to launch successful careers in clinical research.
Final thoughts
Build credible, resume-ready experience through direct industry exposure, guided mentorship, and meaningful CRO collaboration that accelerates your transition from aspiring professional to confident contributor.
In a competitive and relationship-driven field like clinical research, the right training, access, and network do not just prepare you for opportunities — they position you to step into them.
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