Definition Essay - Defining Professionalism

A professional is characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace. Being professional should be a subconscious effort in the fact that it should always be applied. When employees are professional it helps the system run more efficiently and safely. A person must me a certain criteria when being evaluated on professionalism, a person is judged based on the clients; Attitude, Values, Communication techniques, and approachability. Clients who display a committed, dependable attitude will benefit more from work exerted, and overall be rewarded with incentives. Although professionalism may be in the eye of the

A professional is a member of a disciplined group, who must stick to certain ethical standards. They will be skilled and competent in their line of work; this will be there way of income rather than a hobby or volunteering.

Avis et al (2010) state that historically, only occupations such as Doctors, Solicitors, the Clergy and Bank Managers were worthy of the title of being called a “Professional”. However they go on to say that this has changed over time to the point whereby much more diverse groups are describing themselves within the category of being professional to the point that the term becomes meaningless. That said, they do agree that a professional should hold a set of specific skills and knowledge that are gained through a certain amount of training and “should be used for the benefit of society”. Teachers, lecturers and trainers clearly fit within this remit. Scales (2008) lists professionalism as one of the traits of an effective teacher. He goes on the say that professionalism is multi-faceted, citing the way teachers behave, look, the way interact with their students, how they talk and how they prepare and plan their work all form what he believes makes a professional.

Prior to beginning our unit on professionalism, I had a very vague understanding of what it meant to be considered a professional. To be a professional, I thought, meant to simply obtain the technical competency or skills required of an expert within their occupational field. If one could meet this high level of expertise, then it seemed appropriate that one would be considered a professional. As our class discussion progressed, however, it became apparent that the definition of a professional is much more complicated and can be interpreted in many different ways. Thus, my definition of professionalism is no longer limited to the mere description of obtaining expert knowledge. Instead it has grown to encompass several more attributes that are

Explaining professionalism by simply asserting what you desire as a student is not achievable. You need life experience to explain what professionalism means. Professionalism is not something that you accomplish occasionally; it needs a rooted presence in your life. As a physical therapy student, application of my experiences in what constitutes a professional in all possible environments is paramount. While physical therapy schools are distinctive, professionalism stays the same. My undergraduate education along with internship experience hard-wired professionalism into daily life and will propel my future in graduate school.

Without setting a high level of professionalism, students are more likely to stray away from their true academic potential and in doing so distract other students from the same goal. While participating in the program I will be exposed to what true professionalism encompasses as well as how to enforce this level of professionalism in the classroom. Regardless of what profession I may choose a certain level of professionalism is expected from practically all employers. Having this quality will not only help me keep a job but also advance me in the career of my

Professionalism as described by Webster as “the Conduct, aims, or qualities that characterized or mark a profession or a professional person”, and defines profession as “a calling required specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.”

The thought of professionalism conjures up many ideas, and possibly pre-conceived judgements. These will not always be classed as positive or negative, but will undoubtedly have a profound effect on the way you are perceived in your area of work or chosen profession.

According to Dempsey, 2010, a professional has many years of experience and is educated not necessarily through college. A profession uses the emotion of an individuals “calling” to strive to gain knowledge in a profession throughout their lifetime.

Professionalism Twynesha Scott Baker College of Flint UIN: 10671903                       What Is Professionalism   My definition of professionalism is being an expertise in a field of study through obtaining skills and knowledge. “The term professionalism holds different meanings and connotations” (Shepard, 2013). Character, morals, and values are a few qualities that also make up professionalism. There are basic characteristics of professionalism that are custom norms in our society, such as being respectful, punctual, honest, and showing competence.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines professionalism as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. Yet the White Paper on Pharmacy Student Professionalism says it is displaying values, beliefs and attitudes that put the needs of another about your personal needs. There is still another definition. The Medical Professionalism Project says professionalism is the basis of medicine's contract with society. It demands placing the interests of patients above those of the physician, setting and maintaining standards of competence and integrity, and providing expert advice to society on matters of health. In my opinion, a person's attitude, values, and behaviors

The idea of what it means to be a professional varies in the diverse types of careers. To be a professional can either be based on the amount of experience and qualifications a person has or how a person behaves and acts in the workplace. A person who is disrespectful and immature, with several certifications, is not a professional; similarly, to a person who has little qualifications, even though they may be kind and respectful, are also not professionals. Being a professional means that you are committed to your career in every aspect, including both qualifications and behaviour. In my specific career, in medicine, what it means to be a professional is extensive.

Today, there seems to a big misconception of what professionalism means in and out the workplace. Many people go to work just to earn a living and that is fine however, when you hold a position of stature or prestige there are certain elements you must value to the profession as a teacher. “Professional teacher” refers to the status of a person who is paid to teach. They are supposed to represent the best in the profession (Tichenor, J & M., 2005)”. Teachers are theoretically able to analyze the needs of the students for whom they are responsible. The word “professionalism” does not mean to just wear a suit and tie, or

There is a further question that requires our attention, and it is that of professionalism within the Further Education sector. Spenceley (2006,p.289) highlights ‘the much contested concept of professionalism in the context of Further Education (FE).’ She explains how professionalism in teaching, other than in the PCET sector, is ‘inculcated and fostered’ by stating ‘Most entrants come to the profession following a long period of higher education focusing on a specific,

Professionalism was a great way to start the unit; this topic has giving me the chance to understand the responsibilities that teachers have to students and their parents. On beginning this topic I believed that professionalism was about ethics and how teachers conducted themselves in and out of the classroom. However while this is