Putting Professionalism in a Professional Career

Abstract

There are many definitions of professionalism; however, competency in the job and service to others are the core requirements. There is no dispute that job knowledge is the cornerstone of all professions; without the expertise there can be no profession. On the other hand, there are other dimensions of being a professional that should not be overlooked in any professional education or development program. These dimensions are not as easily defined and quantified as the technical aspects of a profession. However, they are just as important. Absolute integrity is the first such dimension addressed. There must not only be the integrity to be honest but also the integrity to give one's best effort at doing a job. A willingness to work and to make things come true is the second such dimension. Thirdly, a true professional must have a sincere concern for people, for only through other people's effort, do they complete major and significant projects. That concern for people and the ability to get things done through others simply translates into leadership. As individuals develop professionally in a career field, they should not neglect the nontechnical aspects of their development. As they progress into positions of higher responsibility, those dimensions assume greater importance in their overall ability to make things happen.