Professionalism and

Career Networking
Characteristics of a Profession
Value Orientation to Service
for the Welfare of Society

Authors:
Susan S. Stratton
Leading Edge Mentoring

Abstract Knowledge Used,

Adaptably & Skillfully,
In the Area of Service

Autonomy in Decision-Making
&
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,

Adaptably & Skillfully,
In the Area of Service

Autonomy in Decision-Making
&
Action Relative to Service

Six Characteristics of
Professional Style
Ethical
Altruistic
Theoretical

Responsible
Committed

Competence is a Given!

Intellectual

Ethical Style

Deals honestly with others

Maintains confidentiality
regarding professional
matters.
Recognizes professional
biases and bases attitude
and action upon a sound
rationale.
Believes that others
recognize the stature of a
professional.

Does not misrepresent

personal qualifications.
Faces self honestly.

Altruistic Style

Behaves unselfishly
Devotes practice to the
interests of others.
Demonstrates motives
for professional
practice that are NOT
selfish
Shows respect for
others.

Shows positive
attitude toward
co-workers, children,
adults, and community
members.

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

to gain new perspectives.

Participates in conferences.
Enrolls in courses regularly.

Strives toward selfimprovement.

Develops
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.