What Does It Mean to Be a Professional?

What Does It Mean To Be a Professional?

Being a professional has numerous official meanings. Being a professional in the United States military can be measured best by the ability of a Soldier to do his or her job successfully, tactfully, and technically. How a Soldier trains, performs and hold themselves to the Army Values and the Army Standards makes the United States military the most elite fighting force in the world. Professionalism is the key to any job, but perhaps more so when it comes to the military. The nature of war itself, perhaps the most brutal and destructive force facing mankind, requires that those who do the fighting do so with extreme levels of discipline, commitment, and skill which make up some aspects of professionalism. Professionalism is not about that person, the value that person places on themselves or the knowledge that they possess. Professionalism is about the value that is place on others and how that value applies to their knowledge. When someone is recognized as a true professional, no matter what their career is, they earn the trust and respect of those who are around them. In many cases, even those who disagree with them will still respect them. They will also enhance their own level of self-respect through practicing professionalism. Acting in a professional manner will help them in their career progression and provide them with the opportunity to influence associates, customers and even supervisors. Professionalism goes beyond personal traits and includes how someone deals with certain situations. People that are thoroughly professional, demonstrate a rounded personality. A professional should possess a large amount of knowledge, both from experience and training or schooling. Honor, reputation, and trustworthiness are some of the most important qualities that a professional should possess. Professionalism is important. Professionals hold themselves to the highest possible standards.

A true professional gets noticed