Experience is the best teacher

Student Profile: Sarah El Kababji

by Emily Rust
 

Graduation is a time of uncertainty for many students as they prepare to enter the ever-changing job market. They may have a specific career goal in mind, but with so many job opportunities that require previous experience, it's difficult for them to get started on the path to their dream career. Sarah El Kababji was one of these students. 

"I have always been interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry," says Sarah. "As a fresh graduate, I didn't know where to start or how to enter the world of clinical trials until I found the Clinical Trials Management program at Western Continuing Studies." 

"Since the program was online, I was able to juggle my responsibilities and improve my career at the same time."

Conducting clinical trials is an essential part of developing new pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Clinical Trial Managers are involved in numerous aspects of research, including data collection, analysis, and monitoring. Demand for Clinical Trials Managers is high in Canada. According to McDougall Scientific, Canada has proven to be a world-class location for pharmaceutical and medical device companies to conduct their clinical trials, ranking fourth in the world for total number of clinical trial sites. 

Western's program aligned with Sarah's vision for her future career in pharmaceuticals, and the flexible virtual format fit nicely into her life as a new mother. "Since the program was online, I was able to juggle my responsibilities and improve my career at the same time," Sarah notes. "It fast-tracked my entry into the pharmaceutical industry."

"What I love about the program is the active discussions that occur throughout."

Making connections with her peers in the virtual classroom was something Sarah valued from the experience. She says, "What I love about the program is the active discussions that occur throughout. As the program is online, I thought I would miss the aspect of peer collaboration, but I didn't. The instructors really encouraged discussion."

That sense of collaboration and active learning carried on into the program's work experience practicum component. Like many of her classmates, Sarah didn't have any prior experience in clinical trials, so the four-month work integrated learning placement was invaluable. 

"I learned a lot during my practicum, and I noticed employers favour this experience."

Sarah's work experience provided a strong foundation from which she could pursue job opportunities upon graduation. "I learned a lot during my practicum, and I noticed employers favour this experience," Sarah states. "I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch."

Every step of the way through the program, Sarah felt supported by the Western Continuing Studies team, particularly when finding a practicum placement. She says that the Work Integrated Learning team "went above and beyond to help us find placements and were always reassuring. They also consistently asked for feedback and ensured you were happy in your placement."

"At work, I often encounter cases and examples that we have discussed in class."

After completing the program, Sarah started her career as a Clinical Research Coordinator for Milestone Research. In her new position, Sarah feels well-equipped for the career she has dreamed of. "At work, I often encounter cases and examples that we have discussed in class," says Sarah. "Clinical trials are a field with stringent laws, principles, and regulations. Sure, I can memorize these; but through discussions of why and where the principles, laws and regulations originate, I have an in-depth understanding of the process of clinical trials."

Sarah's advice for anyone accepted into a Post-Degree Diploma program is to commit to the coursework and take advantage of the program's opportunities. "Try to make the most out of it," Sarah suggests. "Engage with your instructors and peers - it makes a difference to make those connections. The instructors have many years of real-world experience in your field. Experience is the best teacher."

Explore Our Post-Degree Diploma Programs 

Post-Degree Diploma Programs are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge, skills and experience to differentiate themselves in the job search process. Diploma programs are designed to complement an undergraduate degree.

Sarah El Kababji is a graduate of our Diploma in Clinical Trials Management program.