Laurie Halloran: Parexel Alumni

What were your roles while you were at Parexel?

 I joined Parexel when there were less than 50 people. At this time, I was a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) on an important project that brought in two years’ worth of data for one of the first HIV drugs to reach the market. After being promoted to managing that project, my next client was incredibly difficult and I noticed that CRAs really needed training. So, I went and proposed myself to start this new function and enrolled in a Master’s in Corporate Training and Development so I could be more impactful. I stayed in that role for the rest of my 10 years at Parexel – building the group that designed and delivered training to the company.

What did you like the most about working at Parexel?

 In my role, I got to know everyone. I really enjoyed working with all the people and making a difference in how the company grew.

Can you share one of your most memorable moments or an accomplishment you’re most proud of from your time at Parexel?

 On the HIV project, I was traveling in San Francisco during a major earthquake. The client was really scared so we gave her a hotel room, and we all spent the evening together. The staff at our hotel in San Francisco knew us well because we stayed there every single week when traveling for the project.

What are you doing today?

 I started my consulting group because I realized that you could avoid mistakes by having seasoned people on your team part-time as consultants. I would like to think that we have made a big difference in many drugs that are now on the market, including some of the most recent vaccines for COVID-19.