FEATURES AND TYPES OF PROFESSION
PROFESSION
A profession is an occupation which involves the rendering of personal service, of a specialised nature. The service is based on professional education, knowledge, teaching, etc. The specialised service is provided for a professional fee charged from the clients. The professionals are members of professional bodies of those lines and conduct their activities according to the standards set by those bodies. A person entering law profession has to obey the guidelines and regulations of Bar Council of India. A chartered accountant is governed by the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Before joining a profession a person has to acquire the educational qualification set for that profession.
According to Webster dictionary, “Profession is that occupation in which one professes to have acquired specialised knowledge, which is used either in instructing, guiding or advising others”.
FEATURES OF PROFESSION
Prof. Dalton E. McFarland has mentioned the following society. Five characteristics of profession:
(i) The Existence of a body of Specialised Knowledge and Techniques;
(ii) Formalised Method Acquiring Training and Experience;
(iii) The Establishment of Representative Organisation with Professionalism as its Goal
(iv) The Formation of Ethical Codes for the Guidance of Conduct; and
(v) Due Regards for the Priority of Service over the Desire for Monetary Reward
Professions can vary widely, encompassing various fields and industries. However, there are certain features that are commonly associated with a profession. Here are some key features:
- Expertise and Specialization: Professions require a high level of knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific domain. Professionals typically undergo extensive education, training, and experience to acquire specialized knowledge in their field.
- Ethical Standards and Codes of Conduct: Professions often have established ethical standards and codes of conduct that govern the behavior and responsibilities of professionals. These codes ensure the protection of clients or users and maintain the integrity and reputation of the profession.
- Licensing and Certification: Many professions require individuals to obtain specific licenses or certifications to practice legally. These credentials are often granted after meeting certain educational, experiential, and examination requirements.
- Autonomy and Responsibility: Professionals often have a significant degree of autonomy in their work. They are entrusted with making decisions and providing expert advice based on their knowledge and experience. With this autonomy comes a corresponding level of responsibility for the outcomes of their actions.
- Continuous Learning and Development: Professions evolve over time due to advancements in knowledge, technology, and societal changes. Professionals are expected to engage in lifelong learning, staying updated with the latest developments in their field and enhancing their skills and expertise.
- Client or User Focus: Professions typically involve serving clients or users and meeting their needs. Professionals often work directly with individuals, organizations, or communities, providing specialized services, advice, or solutions to address specific problems or goals.
- Professional Associations and Networks: Many professions have established professional associations or organizations that provide support, resources, and networking opportunities for professionals within the field. These associations often play a role in setting professional standards, advocating for the profession, and fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among members. The important functions of professional associations are:
- To regulate the behavior of its members
- To create a code of conduct for guiding the activities of a profession.
- To build up and promote the image of its members as professionals.
- To prescribe minimum qualifications of its members.
- To regulate any entry to the profession.
In India, Representative professional associations with regard to other professions have already been established. There are representative professional associations like Bar Council of India for lawyers, Medical Council of India for doctors; Institute of Chartered Accountants for Chartered Accountants etc.
- Accountability and Quality Assurance: Professionals are held accountable for their actions and are expected to maintain high standards of quality in their work. This may involve adherence to professional guidelines, regulatory oversight, and mechanisms for addressing complaints or misconduct.
- Career Progression and Recognition: Professions often offer a clear career progression path, allowing professionals to advance and take on more responsibilities or leadership roles. Recognition within the profession, such as awards or certifications, can also play a role in acknowledging expertise and achievements.
- Impact on Society: Professions can have a significant impact on society by contributing to the well-being, advancement, and development of individuals and communities. Many professions aim to serve the public interest and work towards improving the overall quality of life.
TYPES OF PROFESSIONS
There are numerous types of professions across various industries and sectors. Here are some common categories of professions:
- Healthcare Professions: Doctors, nurses, surgeons, pharmacists, therapists, medical researchers, dentists, veterinarians, and other healthcare professionals.
- Information Technology (IT) Professions: Software developers, computer programmers, network administrators, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, IT consultants, and system engineers.
- Business and Finance Professions: Accountants, financial analysts, investment bankers, economists, actuaries, financial advisors, marketing managers, human resource managers, and business consultants.
- Education Professions: Teachers, professors, principals, education administrators, school counselors, special education teachers, and academic researchers.
- Engineering Professions: Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, aerospace engineers, environmental engineers, and computer engineers.
- Creative and Media Professions: Artists, writers, photographers, graphic designers, filmmakers, actors, musicians, journalists, editors, and advertising professionals.
- Legal Professions: Lawyers, judges, paralegals, legal assistants, legal consultants, legal researchers, and law enforcement officers.
- Science and Research Professions: Scientists, researchers, biologists, chemists, physicists, astronomers, archaeologists, psychologists, and environmental scientists.
- Social Services Professions: Social workers, counselors, therapists, psychologists, community health workers, nonprofit organization workers, and child and youth workers.
- Skilled Trades Professions: Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, welders, mechanics, hairstylists, chefs, bakers, and construction workers.
- Government and Public Administration Professions: Politicians, public administrators, civil servants, diplomats, policy analysts, and urban planners.
- Sales and Marketing Professions: Sales representatives, account managers, marketing managers, advertising executives, public relations professionals, and market researchers.
These are just a few examples, and there are countless other professions available based on specific skills, industries, and areas of expertise.
