demystify "ten years of pharma programming experience required" - what hiring managers...

Demystify “Ten years of pharma programming experience required”

What hiring managers actually look for

Peng Yang

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MS08

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A standard screening check list

• Number of years of experience

• Technical skill # 1• Technical skill # 2• Technical skill # 3• Therapeutic experience• Good communication

skills etc.

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Why does it take so long?

• Long life cycle of drug development process– Phase I -> Phase II -> Phase III

-> Submission

– It takes many projects to practice certain skills. E.g. CDISC modeling, CRF review, interaction with regulatory agencies.

• Confidential nature of the work

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Why are experienced programmers in high demand?

• Many skills and knowledge can be learned, so why cannot we train them?

• Many teams have tight timelines to hit, which leaves little time to train the new hire.

• Contractors need even less training.

• More experienced programmer requires less supervision.

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New hire should be able to dive in and start swimming.

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The power of proven track records

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Value vs. Time• We assume that

productivity and quality increases over time.

• This assumption needs to be tested through interviews and reference checks.

• Stellar past performance and solid reputation can be very valuable.

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One-year experience repeated 10 times

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One-year experience repeated 10 times

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There may be not be any warning sign until it is time to change the job.

Reality: Less competitive.

The world has moved on. The skill set may not be desirable.

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High achievers living the dog years

Environment:– Fast paced– High volume of studies

and submissions– Up to date with

technology and standards

– Culture of fostering career development

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Internally:– Self-driven– Desire to learn and improve

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Beyond year counting

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People with no prior industry experience

• Look for those with passion for data and solid analytical skills.

• Other good attributes: being detail oriented, committed to quality and self-learning capability.

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Everyone needs a first swim lesson.

#pharmasug#pharmasug12

Peng Yang Clindata Insight IncP. O. BOX 6716, Moraga, CA 94570Work Phone: 650-255-8747E-mail: pyang@clindatainsight.comWeb: http://www.clindatainsight.com

Twitter: @clindata