Factors That Influence the Career Goals of Pharmacy Students

Objectives

To identify pharmacy students’ short- and long-term career goals, including projected areas of practice, and evaluate the factors that influence these goals.

Methods

A 19-question survey instrument was administered to pharmacy students in each of the 4 professional pharmacy years. The results were analyzed to determine factors influencing students’ career goals and to compare choices among the different classes.

Results

The most important factor considered by pharmacy students was work environment. Their career goals upon graduation were predominantly in the retail chain setting. However, 5 years after graduation, their projected areas of practice were divided between retail and clinical settings.

Conclusions

Specific factors influence pharmacy students'' short- and long-term career goals and identifying these factors may provide insights to faculty members in planning the experiential curriculum and assist prospective employers in increasing job retention among new pharmacists and improving their overall job satisfaction.