Premier Culture Anchor: Empowerment
“I have been fortunate to have had caring and supportive supervisors, mentors, and role models who have empowered me with opportunities to stretch myself and grow professionally.”
I had been at Premier Research for two years when I received an amazing job offer from another company—an opportunity of a lifetime. I had mixed feelings about leaving Premier because I was quite happy, but it was an exciting opportunity I felt I would always regret if I did not pursue it. However, early into my new job, I discovered that it was not a good fit. Fortunately, my position at Premier was still available, and they welcomed me back.
Maybe it took leaving Premier to really see what it is all about. Here is my Premier story.
When I joined Premier in 2012, I thought they were like most CROs. However, I quickly learned that Premier is renowned for its pediatric and rare disease research, and immediately I knew I was all in. This research has been extremely gratifying because it allows me to make a true impact on these vulnerable populations, something I am passionate about in my personal life. At that time, the Head of Regulatory Affairs, who also oversaw Medical Writing, even took me under her wing. She invited me to be the medical writing representative on a team designing pediatric research studies. Then she asked me to present on Premier’s behalf at the World Orphan Drug Congress in 2015. That was a daunting but exhilarating experience.
Another great part of working for Premier is their support systems that make working from home seamless, which allows me to have a much better work-life balance. With a busy life with three kids, three dogs, and two cats, that’s important to me. Plus, the time I save in commuting allows me to pursue my other interests such as indoor cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing, reading, and gardening.
The people are another reason why Premier is great to work for. The people at Premier are fantastic to work with. I genuinely like them.
Company size is also important. Having worked for large and small CROs, I’ve discovered that I feel more at home in a mid-sized one. It has a family feel and isn’t burdened by endless layers of management. I believe that Premier’s size promotes more growth from within. I have received such great support and encouragement at Premier, including amazing female role models who have inspired me, believed in me, and given me opportunities to stretch. I will always be grateful to them.
For example, in 2020, when my department needed a new head of Medical Writing, management approached me. I was totally surprised because I always envisioned myself staying on the technical track. However, this opportunity felt different. Everything seemed to be aligning for me—starting with the people who are in my group. They are, in large part, the real reason I accepted the position.
Management believed in me, too. They gave me the chance to organize the group in the way I thought would make it, and the people in it, the most successful—and then I was given the support to make those changes happen.
Transitioning from peer to supervisor was new for me. However, Premier was there to offer support like in-house executive coaching and mentoring to help smooth the transition, for which I will always be incredibly grateful. Premier really works to set their employees up for success.
When I started in medical writing in 1995, it was essentially trial by fire, and some people wore the battle scars from that antiquated approach to training proudly. However, during my career as a medical writer, I’ve always remembered the challenges that I encountered. I’ve focused on making sure that new medical writers don’t have that experience—that they are mentored, brought along, and supported. I know what an incredible difference mentoring has made in my career, and I want to be sure that others have that experience, too. I know at Premier that is going to happen. That’s why I came back. That’s why I’ve stayed.