The Effects of Leadership Involvement and Part-time Employment on Pharmacy Student Academic Performance

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between extracurricular involvement and academic performance during pharmacy school. Methods: All pharmacy students at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences were invited to complete a 14-item online survey. The survey questions focused on their employment status outside of school and their involvement in professional organisations. Responses were linked to their grade point average (GPA) using their university identification number. Three time-series unadjusted and adjusted, multivariable regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grade point average and part-time employment (PTE), GPA and participation in professional organisation, and GPA and combined activities. Results: This study included survey results from 119 students (response rate of 24.3%). Students working 5-14 hours per week towards part-time employment did not exhibit a significant difference in GPA compared to those working 0-4 hours; however students working 15-19 hours had lower GPA (p<.05). A negative correlation was found between professional involvement and GPA (p<.05). The combined effect of part-time employment and professional involvement exhibits a negative effect in the bivariate model (p<.05). Conclusions: A moderate amount of PTE is considered beneficial to complement academic achievement when compared to no employment. Excessive time in professional involvement is associated with a negative effect on academic success.