Professional vs. Professionalism: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Professional refers to a person skilled in a field, while professionalism is the conduct, behavior, and attitude expected of a professional.
Key Differences
"Professional" is a term that typically refers to someone engaged in a specific activity as a main paid occupation, rather than as a pastime. On the other hand, "professionalism" denotes the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a professional or a professional activity. While a professional is an individual with specific skills and knowledge, professionalism is the expression of these skills and knowledge in behavior and attitudes. It's important to distinguish between the person (the professional) and their manner of conducting themselves (professionalism) in their field.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
A professional often has a combination of education, training, and experience in a particular field. Professionalism, however, goes beyond mere qualifications; it encompasses adherence to ethical standards, effective communication, and reliability. For instance, a doctor is a professional by virtue of their medical degree and license to practice, but their professionalism is reflected in how they interact with patients and colleagues, maintain confidentiality, and stay committed to continuous learning. The concept of a professional is rooted in tangible credentials and experience, while professionalism is more about intangible qualities and behaviors.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Professionals are expected to demonstrate a high level of competence in their work, but professionalism is what elevates their status in the eyes of colleagues and clients. Professionalism includes attributes like accountability, integrity, and respect, which are crucial in building trust and credibility. A lawyer, for instance, is a professional based on their legal training and certification, but their professionalism is judged by how they handle client relations, respect court procedures, and adhere to legal ethics. Professionalism, therefore, is the practical application of professional values in a real-world setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
In the workplace, being a professional might mean having specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area. Yet, exhibiting professionalism is about how one applies those skills in daily interactions and tasks. Professionalism involves a commitment to quality, showing initiative, and collaborating effectively with others. For example, an engineer can be a professional in their technical expertise, but their professionalism is reflected in their ability to work in a team, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with clients. Professionalism enhances the impact of a professional's technical skills by adding a layer of personal effectiveness and credibility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual with specialized skills or knowledge.
The conduct and behavior expected in a professional setting.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Focus
On the individual's qualifications and expertise.
On the individual’s behavior and attitude.
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Nov 26, 2023
Scope
Specific to a person’s job or field.
Universal across all professions.
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Nov 26, 2023
Indication
Often implies a certain status or level of employment.
Reflects one’s adherence to ethical standards and norms.
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Nov 26, 2023
Application
Used to describe someone in a particular role.
Applicable in how one conducts themselves professionally.
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Nov 26, 2023
Professional and Professionalism Definitions
Professional
A person who is expertly trained in a particular field.
The architect displayed her professional skills in designing the innovative building.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Professionalism
The standards of behavior expected in a professional setting.
Maintaining professionalism in the workplace is crucial for a positive environment.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professional
Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner.
She answered the client's questions in a professional manner.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professionalism
The practicing of an activity, especially a sport, by professional rather than amateur players.
The match showed a high level of professionalism from both teams.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professional
Engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation.
He became a professional golfer after years of amateur competitions.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professionalism
A combination of qualities that are characteristic of a professional person.
Her professionalism, including punctuality and respect, impressed her colleagues.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Professional
Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession
Lawyers, doctors, and other professional people.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professionalism
The adherence to courtesy, honesty, and responsibility in one's profession.
His professionalism was evident in his ethical decision-making.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professional
Conforming to the standards of a profession
Professional behavior.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professionalism
The competence or skill expected of a professional.
His professionalism is evident in every project he completes.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professional
Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career
A professional writer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professionalism
The use of professional performers, as in athletics or in the arts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Having or showing great skill; expert
A professional repair job.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professionalism
The status, methods, character or standards expected of a professional or of a professional organization, such as reliability, discretion, evenhandedness, and fair play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
A person following a profession, especially a learned profession.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professionalism
The use of professionals rather than amateurs in any sport etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation
Hired a professional to decorate the house.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professionalism
The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; - opposed to amateurism.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with the (usually high) standards of a profession.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Of or pertaining to a profession, or calling; conforming to the rules or standards of a profession; following a profession; as, professional knowledge; professional conduct.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Engaged in by professionals; as, a professional race; - opposed to amateur.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
A person who prosecutes anything professionally, or for a livelihood, and not in the character of an amateur; a professional worker.
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood;
The professional man or woman possesses distinctive qualifications
Began her professional career after the Olympics
Professional theater
Professional football
A professional cook
Professional actors and athletes
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Of or relating to or suitable as a profession;
Professional organizations
A professional field such as law
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Characteristic of or befitting a profession or one engaged in a profession;
Professional conduct
Professional ethics
A thoroughly professional performance
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Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Of or relating to a profession;
We need professional advice
Professional training
Professional equipment for his new office
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Engaged in by members of a profession;
Professional occupations include medicine and the law and teaching
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Professional
Someone who earns their living from a specified activity.
As a professional musician, he spends hours practicing every day.
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Nov 21, 2023
Professional
Having or showing the skill appropriate to a professional person.
Her professional approach to the project won her many accolades.
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Nov 21, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can professionalism be learned?
Yes, it involves adopting appropriate behaviors and attitudes which can be developed over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
How is professionalism different from being a professional?
Professionalism refers to the conduct and attitude expected in a professional setting, while being a professional is about one's skills and job.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Is professional status always tied to having a degree?
Not always; it also involves demonstrated expertise and experience in a field.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Is being a professional the same in all fields?
The basic principles are similar, but the specifics can vary by field.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does professionalism include personal presentation?
Yes, it encompasses aspects like dressing appropriately and maintaining a professional demeanor.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is a professional always an expert?
Generally, yes, as it implies a high level of skill and knowledge.
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Nov 26, 2023
What defines a professional?
An individual with expertise and specialized skills in a specific field.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does professionalism apply to all job levels?
Yes, it's relevant and important at all levels of employment.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is punctuality part of professionalism?
Yes, being on time is a fundamental aspect of professional behavior.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are ethics part of professionalism?
Absolutely, ethical behavior is a key component of professionalism.
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Nov 26, 2023
How does one demonstrate professionalism in communication?
By being clear, respectful, and appropriate in all professional interactions.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can professionalism impact career growth?
Definitely, as it influences how one is perceived and valued in their profession.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Is continuous learning part of being a professional?
Yes, maintaining and updating one's skills is key to professionalism.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
How important is teamwork in professionalism?
Very important, as it involves working effectively with others in a professional context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Can one be a professional without exhibiting professionalism?
Technically yes, but lacking professionalism can undermine one’s professional status.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Can professionalism be subjective?
Some aspects might be interpreted differently, but basic principles like respect and integrity are universal.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does professionalism vary culturally?
Certain expectations may vary, but the core principles are generally consistent worldwide.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does professional success depend solely on expertise?
Not solely; interpersonal skills and professionalism also play a significant role.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Can a hobbyist be considered a professional?
Only if they possess the necessary skills and earn their living from it.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are all professionals required to follow a code of ethics?
Most professions have a code of ethics that their members are expected to adhere to.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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