Meet Akansha Ramnath, Project Data Coordinator

When did you join Parexel, and why did you choose Parexel over our competitors?

I joined Parexel in September 2024. When I first visited the website and saw the phrase “With Heart,” it really resonated with me. I genuinely believe that when you put your heart into something, the results speak for themselves.

What I love about working here is that it’s not just about putting patients first, but we also truly care for each other. That kind of culture is rare and, honestly, it’s what makes Parexel different from the rest. Plus, the kind of exposure you get here is amazing. There’s always something new to learn, and that keeps things exciting every single day.

If you could describe our company culture in one word, what would it be and why?

If I had to describe our company culture in one word, it would be compassionate. Not only do we put patients first, but we put each other first too. There’s genuine care here that you can feel. For example, in the way we celebrate each other’s wins, step in to help without being asked, and rally together when challenges come our way. We work with integrity, passion, and a shared purpose, knowing that what we do matters. It’s the kind of place where you’re not just part of a team, you’re part of something bigger and that makes you proud to show up every day.

How would you describe what it’s like to work at Parexel?

Working at Parexel is a bit like riding a wave. Some days are super busy and you’re juggling a million things, and other days are more relaxed and give you space to catch your breath. Either way, you’ve got to stay proactive and keep asking the right questions, because that’s how you stay ahead. What I love most is that it feels like a second home. Even though we’re working with a huge, globally diverse crowd, it never feels like we’re among strangers. There’s always someone ready to help or share a laugh. I still remember my first week here: I was nervous about reaching out to colleagues in different countries, but within minutes of my first call, we were swapping stories about our favorite foods and laughing like old friends. That’s the kind of culture that makes you want to show up every day.

If you could swap roles with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could swap roles for a day, I’d choose to be a Clinical Research Associate. I’d love to step into a trial site, meet the investigators and coordinators, and see the buzz of a study in action. Watching protocols come to life, seeing how challenges are handled, and understanding the patient experience up close would be eye-opening. It’s a side of the work we don’t often see, and I think it would give me a fresh perspective to bring back to my role. Most of all, I think it would be inspiring to witness the direct impact our work has on patients, something that’s easy to forget when you’re behind the scenes. I’d come back with a fresh perspective, a few great stories, and a deeper appreciation for the people making it all happen on the ground.

What qualities or experiences do you think set you apart from other candidates when you were selected for this role?

I think what set me apart was that I’m a really quick learner and equally confident in taking on new challenges. I adapt fast, pick up processes easily, and don’t shy away from stepping into unfamiliar territory. I work well under pressure, stay organized even when juggling multiple priorities, and most importantly, I’m not afraid to ask questions or make mistakes, because for me, that’s all part of the learning process. Plus, I genuinely enjoy collaborating with people, building strong relationships, and keeping a positive attitude, even on the busiest days.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in your role, what would it be?

I’d say: be a sponge! Soak up every bit of knowledge you can, because there’s always something new to learn. You’ve got to be curious and open to learning because no two trials are ever the same. You’ve got to have an eagle eye, juggle a bunch of things at once, and have a memory like an elephant. An eye for detail is a must, and so is the ability to keep multiple things moving without dropping the ball. And the elephant part? That’s for the memory you’ll need to remember all the standard procedures and timelines that come with each study. It can be a lot, but that’s also what makes it exciting. You’re always learning, adapting, and finding new ways to make it all come together.