ObjectiveTo investigate the short- and long-term career preferences of pharmacy students and evaluate the factors that influence their choices. Additionally, to explore attitudes of students toward community pharmacy, medical marketing, and clinical pharmacy. MethodsA questionnaire instrument was developed and distributed to final-year pharmacy students at Damascus university during the 2010–2011 academic year. ResultsTwo hundred sixty-five students participated in the study. Although significant differences in practice area preferences between short- and long-term were measured (p<0.001), community pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry were selected as the two most preferred future careers. The three most important factors influencing students' career choices were personal fulfillment, income, and funding capabilities. In comparison with community pharmacy, medical marketing was rated at a significantly lower rank in terms of meeting a pharmacist's knowledge and skills, satisfying his/her ambitions, enjoyability, and prestigiousness (p<0.001). About two-thirds of students strongly agreed that clinical pharmacy should be efficiently implemented in the Syrian healthcare system and half of them strongly agreed that they would choose it as a career if it was well-established in Syria. Remarkable inter-gender divergence was observed concerning preferred pharmacy practice sector and attitudes toward various practice areas. ConclusionAs the number of community pharmacists continues to increase, many graduates may not have the opportunity to work in their most preferred practice area. Based on investigating market's needs, Syrian universities, policy makers as well as stakeholders may adapt new strategies for preparing future pharmacists and encouraging them to opt a job in other practice area.