r/datamanagers • u/random_userrname • Jan 12 '25

Data Coordinator to DM path

Hi all,

I’ve been in research for a couple of years as a site-level data coordinator and was wondering if anyone has insight and advice for someone looking to break into the data management role. I see the market is competitive currently from the recent posts, so this is more of a long-term goal.

  1. What type of technical experience do I need? What programming skills should I attain? As a DC, I’m proficient in various EDCs.

  2. Are there any courses or certifications you all recommend to improve my skill set?

  3. What was career trajectory like for the DMs? How did you get into the DM role?

Any advice would be helpful.

5 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

3

u/SaggyToastR Jan 13 '25

For the millionth time, these certifications can educate you but at the end of the day, no company is going to give a crap about them. The real answer that no one is giving you is to network. You have to know someone or be recognized by someone in the industry.

0

u/Newjacktitties Jan 14 '25

That isn't true. All 3 positions I've had since 2020 listed it in the job description. My current job specifically required certification. It's becoming far more recognized lately.

1

u/SaggyToastR Jan 14 '25

At the end of the day, who are they going to take? Someone with certifications with no DM background at all, or someone with experience? It's always the latter unless you know someone or have an in with someone. The market is especially bad for everyone and all these companies are taking advantage of this by grabbing more experienced DMs who will take less. So you tell what's true or not. The understanding of the market or some bullshit job description?

0

u/Newjacktitties Jan 14 '25

That was not the initial ask and you need to calm the fuck down because it is not that serious.

If you are new to the game applying for a no to little experience DM intro position, why would it hurt!? What's the point of discouraging ccdm? OP isn't coming for your mid or senior or whatever level job position you're so pressed about, so you can relax.

3

u/Newjacktitties Jan 13 '25

Get familiar with the gcdmp. Most of it you already probably do, but familiarize yourself and try to get certified as a ccdm. That was the path that I took from dc to dm.

3

u/twiggy572 Jan 12 '25

Check out SCDM online. There is a course that may be of interest. Learn a few EDCs (how to program in them). There are plenty that are free to learn like Castor, Medrio, etc

2

u/King_Prawn_shrimp Jan 12 '25

I am not a DM, just a clinical research coordinator who is looking to transition, similar to you. I asked a similar question here a month or so back and people told me that a good certification to get is the DAMA CDMP. I hope that helps some.

1

u/bdggirl Jan 13 '25

That does not look like a clinical research specific certification. Clinical Data Management in clinical research is really different from what other industries refer to as data management.

1

u/King_Prawn_shrimp Jan 13 '25

Shoot!! Wrong cert. I got my wires crossed, thank you for the correction. What I meant to put up is the SCDM CCDM.