How To Secure Your Place in Clinical Research; From Internship to Full-Time. Here’s What To Do.

Congratulations on landing an internship in clinical research. Getting here is already a huge achievement, especially in an industry as competitive and fast-paced as ours.

I know firsthand how daunting it can feel to step into clinical research, especially when starting from scratch. My journey began as a medical assistant intern in a small primary care clinic in Queens, where I had no healthcare experience.

But that internship wasn’t just a temporary stop; it became my launching pad into a fulfilling career as a clinical research professional. So, let’s talk about how you can turn your internship into a full-time opportunity, from “just the intern” to “key team member” in no time.

Step 1: Treat Your Internship Like a Full-Time Job

Even if you're labelled an “intern,” show up with the mindset of a full-time employee. From day one, act as if the role is yours to keep.

Don’t wait for someone to hand you tasks—take the initiative. I learned early on that proactivity goes a long way in this industry.

Ask questions, volunteer for responsibilities outside your assigned duties, and become someone they can rely on. Ask yourself, “How would a full-time CTA or CRC handle this situation?” Take ownership of your work, contribute to team discussions, and show initiative.

See something that could be improved? Bring it up—respectfully, of course. This kind of mindset not only gets you noticed but also shows that you’re thinking ahead as a full-time employee would.

Step 2: Build Relationships—And Not Just with Your Supervisor

In clinical research, relationships are everything. It’s easy to think that impressing your supervisor is all that matters, but you’ll want to foster relationships across the entire team.

During my internship, I made sure to connect with everyone, from research coordinators to the clinical staff. Why? Because those connections are often your biggest advocates when it's time to secure a full-time role. You want people at every level of the organization to know you as a hard-working, reliable individual.

Show genuine interest in their work, ask questions, and, most importantly, listen. People love working with those who are eager to learn and collaborate.

Oh, and don’t forget to network beyond your immediate team! If possible, get to know others in different departments, from regulatory affairs to data management. These connections can open doors later in your career.

Step 3: Learn More Than You’re Expected To

Knowledge is power in clinical research. Be a sponge for knowledge! During my internship, I made it a point to understand the broader landscape of the field, not just the tasks I was doing.

I attended meetings, read up on clinical research guidelines, and asked questions about the "why" behind every procedure. You can do the same. Go beyond your day-to-day work to gain a holistic understanding of clinical research—this makes you a stronger candidate for a full-time position.

Don’t be afraid to explore areas outside your current focus. The more you know about the industry as a whole, the more versatile and valuable you become to an employer. Plus, showing curiosity and a willingness to learn signals that you’re invested in your professional growth.

Step 4: Communicate Your Ambition

Don’t assume that your supervisor knows you want a full-time position. People won’t know you’re interested in a permanent role unless you tell them. During check-ins or one-on-one meetings, clearly communicate your interest in staying with the company long-term. Ask what steps you can take during your internship to increase your chances of being offered a permanent role.

I made it clear to my supervisors that I wanted to grow within the organization, and that opened doors for me. You should do the same—express your goals and seek advice on how to get there. When they know you’re committed, they’re more likely to invest in your future.

Step 5: Deliver Results— and Then Some Consistently

At the end of the day, the best way to turn an internship into a full-time job is to allow your work to speak for itself. During my internship, I made sure to deliver high-quality results in everything I did.

It’s not about being perfect but about showing that you are committed to doing your best. By consistently exceeding expectations, I positioned myself as an indispensable team member, eventually leading to a full-time offer.

When you become someone the team relies on, they’ll be more inclined to keep you around.

Employers don’t want to lose the talent they’ve invested time in training, especially when that talent has proven they can deliver under pressure.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Chat!

If you’re serious about breaking into the clinical research field and securing that full-time gig, I’d love to help you on your journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make the leap from intern to full-time, I’ve been there—and I know what it takes.

Click here to book a time on my calendar, and let's discuss how you can make your mark in clinical research!

You’ve already got your foot in the door—now it’s time to kick it wide open!

Signing out - Rudy.

Your writer at Chronicles of Clinical Research