Are we committed to commitment?

Abstract

Introduction: Students face difficult decisions when considering multiple opportunities for employment or continued training. When this happens, students may consider breaking a previous commitment to accept a more appealing offer. Societal trends toward decommitment may also influence students' perceptions of the importance of commitment.

Perspective: Students must consider potentially serious professional repercussions that may result from dishonoring commitment before making such a decision.

Implications: We challenge pharmacy faculty to reinforce the professional obligation of honoring commitment when guiding students in career decision-making. We emphasize the importance of helping students develop a specific plan to work toward career goals, entertain only those opportunities that help achieve these goals, and carefully weigh the potential impact of dishonoring commitment on their professional reputation.

Keywords: Career mentoring; Commitment; Pharmacy students; Professionalism.