Behind the Scenes at Veramed: a Chance That Became Destiny

18 Липня 2025

Career trajectories can often take unexpected turns. This was true for Olha Didenko, a Senior Statistician at Veramed, who now excels in the realm of clinical data analysis. Initially, she did not foresee a career in IT and did not possess the programming skills typically found in many developers; however, she now finds it integral to her professional life. Her journey reflects a remarkable progression as she now leads international teams of analysts in clinical research at Veramed.

A Chance That Changed Everything

“Working in IT was not part of my original career plan; it was an occurrence,” remarks Olha. She earned her degree in Applied Statistics from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and was actively seeking employment aligned with her educational background.Statistics is a versatile discipline that is applicable across various sectors, including economics and healthcare. A pivotal moment in her career came when her academic advisor, who was involved in clinical research, informed her about an opportunity in clinical data analytics.

“I was unaware that this field existed in Ukraine. However, I decided to explore the opportunity and had a successful interview, completed the training, and ultimately secured a full-time position” she reflects.

Understanding Information Technology: Insights I Was Unaware Of

Through the graduate training program, Olha was able to develop the necessary skills, receive valuable mentorship, and establish her position in the IT field. She emphasizes that while clinical data analysis may not fall within the traditional IT sector, the work entails extensive use of analytical tools and programming languages, along with collaboration involving data, clients, and projects, elements that are characteristic of the IT industry.

Olha highlights a significant realization: successful analysts can emerge from diverse, non-traditional programming backgrounds. “I did not have programming experience when I started my first job. I learned everything on the job. This is an important point that challenges the stereotype that IT is solely about coding,” she remarks.

Women in IT: Myth or Reality?

While the IT industry is often perceived as male-dominated, the landscape in clinical research presents a different picture. As a statistician, Olha analyzed the gender distribution of employees at Veramed Ukraine, revealing an almost equal split — approximately 46% men and 54% women. Since its establishment in Ukraine, Veramed has made significant strides towards achieving gender balance, with representation figures that are 1.5-2x higher than the industry average. This reflects the company’s strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that enables all employees to reach their full potential.

How to Enter the IT Field Without a Programming Background and the Essential Skills Required

It is essential to identify your area of expertise, whether it be statistics, data analysis, or project management, all of which are integral components of the IT field. In the realm of statistical analysis, programming serves as a valuable tool; however, it represents only a portion of the overall responsibilities. The primary objective is to accurately interpret data and make informed decisions, while programming facilitates the efficient processing and analysis of information.

In her perspective, several key skills are universally beneficial:

• Communication. “The IT profession is not performed independently. Effective communication, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving skills are vital.”
• English Proficiency. “For those considering a career in IT, their first priority should be to learn English. Proficiency in this language is crucial for professional development.”
• Flexibility. “It is important to recognize that not every situation will unfold perfectly. The ability to quickly adapt, set priorities, and devise solutions is essential.”

From Initial Projects to Management

Olha’s initial project presented a significant challenge. “For the first time, I was required to communicate with international colleagues. While it was daunting at first, I now reflect on that experience with a sense of accomplishment, as I engage in numerous such calls daily,” she shares.

The support of a mentor proved invaluable. “In our industry, there is a substantial amount of specialized knowledge that is not covered in university curricula. Gaining this expertise on the job has been extremely beneficial.”

As time progressed, Olha expanded her scope of responsibilities and developed an interest in management. “In addition to my primary analytical duties, I am now engaged in project management, which encompasses budgeting, planning, and resource allocation. Exploring this new role has been very rewarding.”

The Work of a Statistician in a CRO: Behind the Scenes of Clinical Research

The primary responsibilities of a statistician involve the processing and cleaning of data collected from clinical trials to facilitate further analysis. Subsequently, the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals is evaluated by comparing the outcomes of patients who received the treatment with those who were administered a placebo, thus determining the drug’s efficacy.

The next phase entails performing statistical tests to identify statistically significant differences between participant groups. Additionally, forecasting research outcomes or disease progression based on the gathered data is a critical component of the role, which involves developing models to support informed decision-making.

Another vital aspect of the position is the preparation of reports and data visualizations, including graphs, tables, and comprehensive reports that assist researchers and stakeholders in comprehensively understanding the study findings.

Planning studies is also an essential duty, which includes evaluating the necessary sample size to ensure the results’ reliability and validity.The role of a statistician is multifaceted, encompassing not only programming and data analysis but also regular meetings with the team to discuss research progress, address current challenges, and make critical decisions. While programming serves as an essential tool for data processing and analysis, the primary emphasis remains on interpreting results and preparing reports that are coordinated with other departments and research sponsors.

3 Practical Tips for Finding a Job in IT:

• Educational Background: To pursue a career as a statistician, it is essential to obtain a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in statistics or mathematics.
• Learning Programming Languages: Proficiency in programming languages such as R, SAS, or Python is advantageous for careers in statistics or data analysis. Numerous free online resources are available to facilitate this learning.
• English Conversation Clubs: I encourage participation in English conversation courses to enhance communication skills. This approach will not only bolster your language proficiency but also help alleviate any apprehension in interacting with native speakers and colleagues within international teams.

Considering Your Role in the IT Field?

If you are interested in beginning your career in the technology sector, Kharkiv IT Cluster provides a wide array of opportunities for professional development. Our educational programs, events, and training sessions, along with guidance from industry experts, will equip you to make a confident entry into the dynamic field of IT. The key is to take the initiative and embrace the challenge.

We invite you to follow Kharkiv IT Cluster on social media to stay informed about your opportunities for a successful career.

About Veramed

Veramed is a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) dedicated to setting the new standard for end-to-end biometrics. Founded in 2012, the company blends deep statistical, programming and data management expertise with a second to none culture, innovation, automation, and world-class governance to accelerate evidence generation and improve patient outcomes. With teams across the UK, Europe, North America, India, and Ukraine, Veramed ensures high-quality, submission-ready results across Phases I–IV.

As a certified B Corp and 3* accredited by Best Companies, Veramed is committed to excellence, collaboration, and a people-first culture that underpins its reputation for quality and trusted partnerships.