For our second interview of June, we’re staying in Eastern Europe, but moving a bit further north to Poland.
Meet Anna, our CRA and Regulatory Specialist, as she shares her experiences and insights.
We hope you enjoy reading her story.
When did you join GCT and how long have you been with the company?
I joined GCT in July 2019, so I have been with the company since then.
Which office are you based in?
I am based in GCT’s Warsaw office.
Could you tell us more about your role and your professional background?
I hold a Master’s degree in Pharmacy. I started my professional career working in a pharmacy, but I soon realized that my interests were more aligned with clinical research. I began my journey in the clinical research field as an assistant and later moved into clinical trial monitoring, which remains my primary area of expertise today.
Currently, I work as a Clinical Research Associate and Regulatory Specialist. In these roles, I am involved in the monitoring and oversight of clinical studies, as well as providing regulatory support to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and guidelines.
What have you learned during your time at GCT?
During my time at GCT, I have learned the true value of teamwork and collaboration. I have also further developed my skills in international communication, negotiation, working with medical professionals, and ensuring that agreed actions and commitments are effectively followed through. These experiences have helped me grow both professionally and personally, strengthening my ability to work in complex, multicultural environments.
How does GCT differ from other places you’ve worked?
GCT differs from other places I’ve worked mainly because of the people and the support I’ve received here. I have not only had supervisors, but also mentors who were willing to share their knowledge and guide me. When you are building your professional profile, support and advice from more experienced colleagues is extremely valuable. At GCT, I have been fortunate to meet people who have helped me develop the skills and competencies I have today.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
This is a particularly interesting question for me. What motivates me every day is the feeling that my work makes a real difference. I genuinely enjoy supporting medical teams in conducting clinical trials correctly and efficiently. It is rewarding to know that I can be helpful and that my expertise is valued. Seeing the impact of my work and knowing that I contribute to the success of a study gives me a strong sense of purpose and motivation.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
One of my favorite activities outside of work is makeup artistry. In my free time, I enjoy creating makeup looks for special occasions such as weddings, parties, and other events. I find it very rewarding because it allows me to be creative while helping people feel confident and look their best.
What does GCT’s 25th anniversary mean to you personally?
GCT’s 25th anniversary is something I’m very happy to be a part of. I’m proud to work with an effective team that has proven its success over so many years. Twenty-five years is a significant milestone, and I am glad to be able to celebrate this anniversary together with everyone at GCT.
What is something special about the people you work with at GCT?
One thing that is special about the people I work with at GCT is their long-term commitment to the company. Many of my colleagues have been with GCT for many years, which says a lot about the organization and its work environment. Because we know each other well, we have built strong relationships and trust, which makes teamwork and communication much easier and more effective.
If you could relive one day at GCT, which one would it be and why?
One day that stands out in my memory is the final meeting with a study team at a site in Warsaw. The Principal Investigator was an ophthalmologist, and we had been conducting the study during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an extremely challenging period, with many unexpected obstacles and difficulties that required flexibility, creativity, and close collaboration.
Despite all the challenges, we successfully completed the study. I remember our last meeting very clearly—it was almost sad to say goodbye and end our collaboration. We spent time reflecting on everything we had gone through together and the issues we had managed to overcome as a team. That day reminded me how important strong partnerships and mutual trust are in clinical research, and it remains one of my most memorable experiences at GCT.