Professionalism and

Career Networking

Characteristics of a Profession
Authors:
Value Orientation to Service
for the Welfare of Society Susan S. Stratton
Leading Edge Mentoring
Abstract Knowledge Used, Autonomy in Decision-Making
Adaptably & Skillfully,
In the Area of Service
&
Action Relative to Service Dorothy I. Mitstifer
Kappa Omicron Nu
 Characteristics of a Profession

Value Orientation to Service

for the Welfare of Society

Abstract Knowledge Used, Autonomy in Decision-Making

Adaptably & Skillfully, &
In the Area of Service Action Relative to Service
Six Characteristics of
Professional Style
Ethical

Altruistic Responsible

Theoretical Committed Intellectual

Competence is a Given!
Ethical Style
Deals honestly with others Does not misrepresent
Maintains confidentiality personal qualifications.
regarding professional Faces self honestly.
matters.
Recognizes professional
biases and bases attitude
and action upon a sound
rationale.
Believes that others
recognize the stature of a
professional.
Altruistic Style
Behaves unselfishly Shows positive
Devotes practice to the attitude toward
interests of others. co-workers, children,
Demonstrates motives adults, and community
members.
for professional
practice that are NOT
selfish
Shows respect for
others.
True North
Responsible Style
Promises only what can
be delivered.
Follows through on
commitments.
Delivers on time.
Says no without guilt.
Is accountable for own
actions.
Supports the basic tenets
of the profession.
Develops a philosophy
and sound rationale for
professional practice.
Thinks before reacting.
Foresees possible outcomes of
professional actions.
Makes decisions based on
possibilities.
Considers the best interest of
the client.
Evaluates his/her professional
practice.
Confronts discrepancies
between intentions and actions.
Assesses own contribution
realistically.
 Theoretical Style
Practices critical thinking.
Contributes to knowledge base.
Shows appreciation for
scholarship, research and theory.
Presents the theoretical foundation of ideas
and actions.
Evaluates own professional practice in light
of new conditions and knowledge.
Committed Style
Spends time beyond the call of duty.
Belongs to and takes an active part in
professional organizations.
Identifies with the profession both when it
is praised and criticized.
Articulates the professions
philosophy and practice
to the public.
Intellectual Style

Reads current journals.

Keep abreast of technical
advances.
Reads about own and related
professions and specialties.

Interacts with colleagues Strives toward self-

to gain new perspectives. improvement.
Participates in conferences. Develops
Enrolls in courses regularly. performance skills.
Achieving Professionalism
Exhibit the three characteristics of a profession.
Participate in a unified professional membership.
A professional will pay dues out of their own pocket to
organizations for the privilege of being a practicing
professional.
A professional organization is the cooperative agency through
which the profession is advanced.
Identify and eliminate anti-professional
developments
Political activism and increased visibility as
professionals will be required to create and
sustain positive professional advancement.
Stages of Development
of a Professional
Pre-Professional

Applier

Analyst
Meszaros & Braun, 1980 Integrator
 Reflection & Action Planning
What have I learned that I can put to immediate
use?
What do I want to do in the future to improve my
professional style?
Notice your own actions and those of others that exhibit that
element of, or lack of, professionalism.
Carefully evaluate your own actions and how they relate to your
internal beliefs and assumptions.
Challenge whether the belief or assumption is valid.
Create an action plan to work on bringing more coherence between
actions and beliefs, creating greater integrity and authenticity.
 Optional Follow-up Activity
Make an appointment with a professional to learn
more about the career you seek.
What are the satisfactions you derive from your practice?
How have you sought to increase your effectiveness as a professional?
Can you describe an ethical problem that you have faced? How have you
dealt with it?
What advice do you have for me to ensure my development as a
professional?
Share your findings at a follow-up chapter meeting.
Share the responses to the interview questions.
What was the most important thing you learned?
As a group, summarize the feedback and write an article for the
Kappa Omicron Nu Chapter Newsletter.