From Recruiting to Running Trials

When Christina Kladis looks back on her career journey, she admits it wasn’t a straight line. With a degree in marketing from the University of Florida, she parlayed those skills and spent a decade recruiting clinical research professionals.

“I could talk the talk—I knew the systems and tasks the hiring managers wanted to see on résumés,” she recalls. “But I had never actually done the work myself.”

That changed when an unexpected opportunity at her company opened the door for her to join clinical operations. With encouragement from a mentor and a desire to break into a field she had been circling for years, Christina made the leap.

To solidify her skills and confidence, she enrolled in our Certificate Program in Clinical Research Conduct and Management. And we’re happy to report that today, she’s a senior clinical trial specialist with a passion for oncology research. Christina credits the certificate with helping her bridge the gap from recruiter to practitioner.

Finding Her Way Into Clinical Research

Christina’s career started in talent acquisition. After graduating with her business degree, she joined a nationwide staffing firm with a large clinical research division. For the next 10 years, she matched professionals with opportunities in clinical operations, data management and regulatory affairs.

“I specialized in clinical operations,” she says. “I knew what sponsors and Chief Recruiting Officers were looking for to build a team and understood what made an employee great. I wanted to contribute to making a difference in research in whatever way I was capable.”

In 2017, she accepted an in-house role at an oncology biotech company that was experiencing rapid growth. Christina helped build their recruiting team and staff dozens of clinical research roles in a matter of months. Her proactive approach impressed leadership—and one day, a VP of clinical operations asked her a life-changing question: “Would you consider joining clinical operations yourself?”

“At first, I thought, ‘I’ve never done this. I’m not qualified,’” Christina remembers. “But he told me, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll train you.’ I realized I might never get this chance again.”

By May 2019, she had officially transitioned into a clinical trial specialist role.

In the workplace, you don’t always want to admit what you don’t know. But in Extension courses, it was a safe space. That really prepared me to show up at work with more confidence.

Learning on the Job—and in the Classroom

Christina quickly realized that while her recruiting background gave her a solid foundation, she needed hands-on training to succeed. Her company supported her professional development, covering the cost for additional education. That’s when she found our certificate.

“I chose UC Berkeley Extension because of the name and the strength behind it,” she explains. “The prestige of UC Berkeley really sets you apart.”

She began courses just as the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone online. “We were all stuck at home, so I thought, ‘Why not use the time to grow my skills?”

The program’s structure made a big difference. “I really loved the instructors. Marianna Lenoci was amazing,” Christina says. “And it helped that some of my classmates were also transitioning into the field. It didn’t feel intimidating—we were all learning together.”

One of the biggest benefits was gaining confidence in industry terminology and processes. “In clinical research, there are so many acronyms. Before, I’d have to Google them. In class, everything was explained, so when I went back to work, I could keep up and ask smarter questions.

“I really felt comfortable asking questions in class,” she says. “In the workplace, you don’t always want to admit what you don’t know. But in Extension courses, it was a safe space. That really prepared me to show up at work with more confidence.”

She also found herself supporting classmates who wanted to break into the industry. “People would ask me recruiter questions, like how to get in the field. It was cool to share my perspective while learning alongside them.”

Balancing Career Growth and Family

Since completing the certificate, Christina has advanced to senior clinical trial specialist. The journey hasn’t been without challenges.

“I probably would have moved up faster, but I had twins in 2022,” she shares. “As a single mom, I needed more support and had to move back to Florida. That’s been tough with layoffs happening as a lot of positions are kept in California.”

Still, she sees the certificate as a competitive edge. “Especially because I don’t have a science degree, UC Berkeley Extension shows that I took the extra steps to gain experience and knowledge. It makes me stronger in the job market.”

And Christina’s motivation to stay in clinical research is deeply personal. During college, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and enrolled in a clinical trial.

“It saved her life,” Christina says. “I’ve also had other family members impacted by cancer. That’s why I’m passionate about staying in oncology. I want to be part of making cancer a maintainable disease—giving people more quality years with their families.”

UC Berkeley Extension shows that I took the extra steps to gain experience and knowledge. It makes me stronger in the job market.

Advice and Looking Ahead 

Christina encourages anyone starting the certificate to fully engage.

“Ask a lot of questions and really listen to your instructors,” she advises. “Write things down, stay curious and don’t just try to coast by. The more you invest in the courses, the more prepared you’ll be for your job.”

She also emphasizes the importance of curiosity. “If you don’t understand something, ask for further explanation. In clinical research, doing things the right way matters. The classroom is where you should be asking those questions.”

As Christina looks to the future, she sees herself continuing in clinical research—ideally at a major oncology site or as a study lead for a sponsor.

“I don’t need to be a director. I love what I do,” she says. “In five to 10 years, I’d be happy managing clinical trials at a higher level or working at a site where I can understand the hospital side of research.”

Christina’s path proves that clinical research is a field where passion meets opportunity. Her journey from marketing graduate to senior clinical trial specialist shows what’s possible when you take risks, invest in learning and align your work with a cause that matters.

As she puts it: “UC Berkeley Extension gave me the confidence and knowledge to succeed. It’s not just about a job—it’s about contributing to something bigger.”