Premier Value: We Stay Agile
“We have a great team that supports each other even during very hard times, such as Covid-19, and, most importantly, deeply cares about the patients that we are helping. It really makes me wake up with enthusiasm every day.”
In the fall of 2015, dressed in my best suit, I stepped into the Premier Research Slovakia office for the first time, full of ambition mixed with a little bit of fear. I knew very little about the contract research organization (CRO) industry, and I didn’t really know what to expect. I had arrived early, and as I waited for my future Line Manager, I asked myself, “What am I doing here?”
Within days, I knew. I had been a scientist, and liked working in the lab as well as learning new things. My job at Premier offers a similar chance to learn every day—an endless opportunity for personal growth. That is something I now enjoy even more.
We are helping people have a better life. The pharma and life sciences companies that are our clients are developing life-saving therapies, and our role is to ensure their safety and efficacy. Ensuring that all the data are relevant is critical for safety, and that is a big part of my job in data management.
I also have the chance to help my colleagues. When I was working at a junior level, as data coordinator, I saw some places where we could be more efficient. My managers were supportive, and together we created some new initiatives, including the DC Academy, which I am currently responsible for. We make sure people understand and use our standard operating procedures to avoid process deviations. Right now, the main thing I am focusing on is mentoring and training people, helping them understand the processes, protocols, and how a study is managed. One of the most satisfying parts of my job is that interaction, seeing someone I am mentoring progress and be praised by a client for a job well done.
When I first joined Premier, I focused on trying to figure out everything by myself. My colleagues soon made it clear to me that I did not have to work that way because they would always be able to help me. That kind of support happens non-stop, and sometimes you don’t even realize it’s happening.
I am now in charge of my own team, and I help them with communication and other daily support. We really work like a family—which is the Premier way.
Everyone here is nice, supportive, and open. Some of that is who we choose to hire; during the interview you sometimes have a sixth sense when you feel how compatible you are with a candidate. There is also an orientation process that makes it explicit: This is how we are at Premier. It’s true up and down the line; anyone can go talk to the CEO. It’s what really makes us a family.
There is also the chance for career growth. When I was a data coordinator my Line Manager said I was ready to step into the next level. Then the manager left, and I thought maybe I should apply for his position. I was happy that our directors gave me a chance to show myself, and I got the promotion.
There are no words to express my gratitude for the opportunities I have had to grow my career. I believe this relationship will last for many more years! There is nowhere else I would find such a passionate, caring, and empathic team that is able to work well and collaborate from the C-suite to the most junior-level position.
Now, I know the answer to the question I asked the first day. It might not be my childhood dream of becoming a Nobel prize-winning scientist, but I am exactly where I am supposed to be.