Julya Montgomery

Clinical Research Associate

Covance

"What I was most afraid of when I was about to graduate were my final grades! It was my last semester, I was still working while going to school, and I was so tired of being a student. I got through it by repeating to myself that as long as I got my homework in, studied hard, and got through the last few months that I’d be done with school for good! It worked and now I’m in a role where I don’t need to go back to school and they love my background in biology. "

What was your major/minor at Purdue and when did you graduate?

Major/Minor: Biology/Psychology Bachelor of Science, graduated December 2017

What was your most compelling class and why?

Biomedical ethics—actually a philosophy class, but by far the most interesting. It flexed my critical thinking skills, widened my perception and world view, and gave me real life examples of debates currently happening in healthcare (and considering I currently work in clinical research, these topics still come up!)

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a Phase IV cardiovascular outcome study around men’s health. 

What drove you to pursue your current career path?

I have always loved science and biology and a series of international volunteer trips, Spring Break study abroad trip, and internship, I ended up in my current role. 

Did you pursue internships/co-ops, research experiences, volunteer, or join student organizations while you attended Purdue?

During my time at Purdue, I interned at Covance as a Clinical Research Assistant Intern, did a spring break study abroad in Costa Rica, did a summer abroad for a volunteer position in Costa Rica, worked in a couple research labs (paid positions—one lab I did zebrafish husbandry and another I worked with plants), completed research in a lab for credits (Dr. Lucas avian communication; Chick-a-dee communication system), and participated as a Team Captain for a Relay for Life team for the Purdue Filipino Association, which I was actively involved in all 5 years of my college career. What actually made me stand out to my current company (Covance) was the work I did outside of school—working customer service at Subway and Chipotle restaurants. They knew this experience greatly enhanced my conflict resolution, communication, and customer service skills that transfers over into all sorts of industries and jobs. 

Are there any special accomplishments you've achieved after college that you might not have been able to do without your college experiences?

In 2008-2010, I went back to school (IU) to get an MBA degree.  Upon graduation, I earned an “Academic Excellence Award” for my grades.  I have also earned multiple awards while at Lilly including the LRL President’s Scientific Recognition Award.  I think my undergraduate education at Purdue set me up for these awards by teaching me the technical rigor and the scientific thought processes that need to be applied when trying to complete any scientific endeavor.

What advice would you give to prospective or current Purdue students about how to make the best use of what Purdue offers?

Go to office hours and tutoring help sessions! Best and easiest way to finish homework, projects, and prepare for exams as the TAs and other students are in there to help you as well (often with the same questions or hints to help best prepare for exams)