Professional vs. Professionalism: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
A "Professional" typically refers to someone engaged in a specified activity as their main occupation, while "Professionalism" pertains to the skills, behavior, and appropriate conduct expected of a professional.
Key Differences
A Professional is an individual who holds specialized knowledge or skills, often obtained through education or training, and usually practices a specific occupation or field. Professionalism, however, speaks to the attributes and behaviors that characterize or befit such a person.
When someone is termed a Professional, it can signify that they earn their livelihood from a particular occupation, often requiring special training or education. Professionalism is the manner in which they carry out their duties, emphasizing competence, integrity, and ethical behavior.
It's not just about being a Professional in a field; it's equally crucial to demonstrate Professionalism. While the former acknowledges expertise, the latter acknowledges the manner and attitude with which tasks are approached.
One can argue that being a Professional is about qualification, while Professionalism is about character. A person can be a Professional by training, but their Professionalism is proven by their day-to-day conduct.
Professional status can often be achieved through certifications, degrees, or experience. In contrast, Professionalism is often recognized by peers and superiors as an individual's consistent adherence to a set of standards or ethical practices in their profession.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual skilled in a particular occupation
The conduct, qualities, or behavior of a professional
Part of Speech
Noun (can also be an adjective)
Noun
Usage Context
Qualification or occupation
Behavior or attitude
Grammatical Function
Describes a person or the quality of work
Describes a set of standards or ethos
Associated Ideas
Expertise, career
Ethics, decorum, standards
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Professional and Professionalism Definitions
Professional
Pertaining to a profession.
He attended a Professional conference.
Professionalism
The level of excellence or competence shown by a professional.
The company is known for its Professionalism and quality of service.
Professional
Someone who earns their living from a specified activity.
He's a Professional basketball player.
Professionalism
The competence or skill expected of a professional.
Her Professionalism was evident in every task she undertook.
Professional
An individual engaged in a specific occupation.
She's a Professional architect.
Professionalism
The practicing of an activity, especially a sport, by professional rather than amateur players.
The sport has a high standard of Professionalism.
Professional
Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious demeanor.
Her Professional attitude was commendable.
Professionalism
The qualities that characterize a professional person.
He always maintains Professionalism in the workplace.
Professional
Having or showing the skill of a professional.
The painting was done in a Professional manner.
Professionalism
Adherence to ethical and standard practices in a given profession.
Medical Professionalism requires utmost care and confidentiality.
Professional
Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession
Lawyers, doctors, and other professional people.
Professionalism
Professional status, methods, character, or standards.
Professional
Conforming to the standards of a profession
Professional behavior.
Professionalism
The use of professional performers, as in athletics or in the arts.
Professional
Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career
A professional writer.
Professionalism
The status, methods, character or standards expected of a professional or of a professional organization, such as reliability, discretion, evenhandedness, and fair play.
Professional
Performed by persons receiving pay
Professional football.
Professionalism
The use of professionals rather than amateurs in any sport etc.
Professional
Having or showing great skill; expert
A professional repair job.
Professionalism
The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; - opposed to amateurism.
Professional
A person following a profession, especially a learned profession.
Professionalism
The expertness characteristic of a professional person
Professional
One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation
Hired a professional to decorate the house.
Professional
A skilled practitioner; an expert.
Professional
A person who belongs to a profession
Professional
A person who earns their living from a specified activity
Professional
A prostitute
Professional
A reputation known by name
Professional
An expert
Professional
Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with the (usually high) standards of a profession.
Professional
That is carried out for money, especially as a livelihood.
Professional
(by extension) Expert.
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.
Professional
Engaged in by professionals; as, a professional race; - opposed to amateur.
Professional
A person who prosecutes anything professionally, or for a livelihood, and not in the character of an amateur; a professional worker.
Professional
A person engaged in one of the learned professions
Professional
An athlete who plays for pay
Professional
An authority qualified to teach apprentices
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
Professional
Of or relating to or suitable as a profession;
Professional organizations
A professional field such as law
Professional
Characteristic of or befitting a profession or one engaged in a profession;
Professional conduct
Professional ethics
A thoroughly professional performance
Professional
Of or relating to a profession;
We need professional advice
Professional training
Professional equipment for his new office
Professional
Engaged in by members of a profession;
Professional occupations include medicine and the law and teaching
FAQs
Are all Professional activities paid?
Typically, Professional activities are paid, as they pertain to one's livelihood, but there can be exceptions.
Is Professionalism inherent or learned?
Professionalism can be both inherent and cultivated over time through training and experience.
Can a person be a Professional without showing Professionalism?
Yes, one can be a Professional by training but may lack Professionalism in behavior or ethics.
Can a person be termed Professional based on their demeanor?
While demeanor can indicate a person's Professionalism, being termed a Professional usually pertains to one's qualifications or occupation.
How can one improve their Professionalism?
By continuously learning, seeking feedback, adhering to ethical practices, and maintaining a positive work demeanor.
Is Professionalism the same in every industry?
The essence remains similar, but standards of Professionalism might vary depending on the industry or profession.
Why is Professionalism important in the workplace?
Professionalism fosters trust, establishes credibility, and ensures effective collaboration in a work environment.
Is every worker considered a Professional?
Not necessarily; a Professional typically has specialized training or skills in a particular field, whereas not every worker may have such qualifications.
How does one identify Professionalism in others?
By observing their work ethic, communication, respect for others, and adherence to industry standards.
Does Professionalism only relate to work behavior?
While work behavior is a significant part, Professionalism also encompasses ethics, attitude, and other characteristics expected of a professional.
Can one be a Professional athlete?
Yes, a Professional athlete earns their living from competing in sports.
Is a Professional always more skilled than a non-professional?
Generally, a Professional has specialized skills in their field, but skill levels can vary among individuals.
Is a degree always required to be considered a Professional?
Not always. While many Professional roles require degrees, some might be based on certifications, training, or experience.
Does Professionalism affect career growth?
Yes, demonstrating consistent Professionalism can significantly impact career advancement and opportunities.
Can a hobbyist be considered a Professional?
If they earn their primary income from that hobby and have specialized skills or knowledge in it, they could be termed a Professional in that area.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
