Why Punctuality Matters

Being punctual says something to the person waiting for you: This is important to me.

If that’s true, what does being late say?

I once knew a student who was late to every class, every workshop, and every lab. This student started to build a personal brand that was not positive. [What is a personal brand? Read this.]

We met to discuss punctuality and the impression it leaves with people. This student talked about traffic, car trouble, and childcare. All valid reasons for being late. We brainstormed solutions together. We talked about how faculty and preceptors are human and they understand when life interrupts plans. We talked about how being consistently late is different than occasionally late. We talked about how being late is sometimes a sign of disrespect, although not intended. [This is why we hear people apologizing for being late]. We talked about emailing your professor or approaching them after class if there is a reason for being late.

Reputation starts in the classroom. One day, your faculty member may be a preceptor at your rotation site. One day, you will want to ask one of your faculty members for a letter of recommendation. One day, your classmates may be the ones interviewing you for a job. What will these people remember about you?

Punctuality is practiced in pharmacy school. Learning to adjust our social habits, sleep schedules, and alarm(s) settings are part of the process.

Arrive before you’re supposed to arrive and you’ll always be on time.

What are some hacks that help you arrive early? Comment below!