Perception Of Academic Pharmacists Regarding Their Career Growth: A Qualitative Case Study From Pakistan
3075-3082
Background and Objective
Academic pharmacists are involved in the teaching and training of future pharmacy practitioners and occupy key positions in research related to drug discovery, pharmacy practice and as well as therapeutic outcome in patients. This study is tried to explore the prominent factors that influences the choice to be an academic among pharmacists as well as their career growth in academia.
Method
A semi-structured interview guide was used as an instrument raising questions to join academics, possible opportunities and hindrances in career growth and job turnover intentions.
Results
Mixed factors like second career choice, passion, and challenging nature of the profession were stated as reasons to join academic pharmacy. Research and salary structure were cited as opportunities for career growth by junior academic pharmacists although they joined academics simply to earn postgraduate qualifications. Irrespective of professional experience all the academic pharmacists stated lack of authority and power in taking decisions. Conversely, senior academic pharmacists showed no job turnover intentions but cited salary as major obstacle in their career growth
Conclusion
Factors like second career choice due to personal reasons and challenging nature of the profession were cited as main reasons to join academia. Although junior faculty joined academics for short-term but they viewed salary and research as opportunities for career growth. A revision of salary structure with additional perks and freedom to work will benefit the institute in terms of more productivity and stimulate faculty retention.