WHAT IS
MEANT BY
PROFESSION
PROFESSIONAL
PROFESSIONALISM
IN ENGINEERING?
What is a Professional Topic?
WHAT A PROFESSION IS
Has A body of knowledge
required to be acquired and maintained by the practitioner
The authority to practice
is granted, upheld and enforced by an authorizing body
There is a society to which the individual belongs
which promotes his/her practice field in common interests with others and strives to support their practice
There is a Code of Ethics
to be complied with
Has a strong sense of public service
with the obligation to practice in their bestinterests of protecting their health, safety and welfare
Practitioner
is highly skilled in the services rendered
Practitioner is compensated for the services rendered
Practitioner functions with authority
and exercises responsible, independent judgment in the application of his/her knowledge and skills
Practitioner achieves recognition
and acquires esteem from
the public, client, or employer and peers
WHAT A PROFESSIONAL IS
One engaged in a profession, characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.
High Academic Standards—Having knowledge and skill not possessed by the general public (for example, high levels of technical competence)
Continual Renewal of Knowledge—Staying abreast of developments through journals, publications, conferences, and seminars
Service for Society—Performing services that affect the public health, safety, and welfare (beneficial application of technical competence)
Personal Responsibility for Work—Continually looking for own mistakes and opportunities/methods for improvement
Display of Self-Confidence—Who wants a nervous dentist, unsure of which tooth to drill?
Exercise of Judgment and Discretion—Having flexibility/authority to make decisions based upon a defined body of knowledge
Predominantly Intellectual Work—Generally white-collar and not readily subject to productivity measurement
Regulated/License Usually Required—Quality of work is subject to established standards. Members of the profession risk loss of right to practice for misconduct, incompetence, or gross negligence
Dedication Beyond Pecuniary and PersonalConsiderations—Commitment to the "calling" with ethics and quality of work transcending any other issues
WHAT PROFESSIONALISM IS
Has to do with how engineers practice and conduct them-selves in their work and as individuals in society.
Further, it includes the way their clients/employers award them for their work.
Further, it includes the recognition bestowed upon them by society as a result of the contributions they make to society from the results of applying their special scientific knowledge in engineering products for the public to use.
Professionalism is the conduct that characterizes or marks a profession or professional person.
Buried somewhere in the notion of professionalism “are ethics” or “honest practice.”
Other attributes are a job well done, a concern for public approbation, and the need for “group action to protect engineers rights”.
CAN AN EMPLOYED ENGINEER BE A PROFESSIONAL?