Factors That Influence the Career Goals of Pharmacy Students |
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Authors: | Laney M. Savage Jennifer W. Beall Thomas W. Woolley |
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Affiliation: | aMcWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University;bBrock School of Business, Samford University |
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Abstract: | ObjectivesTo identify pharmacy students’ short- and long-term career goals, including projected areas of practice, and evaluate the factors that influence these goals.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsSpecific 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. |
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Keywords: | pharmacy students career choice |
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