5. Maintaining Professionalism

Question 1

Maintaining Professionalism

Answer 1

~ all professionals use the same methods to maintain their professionalism
~ it does not matter whether you practice a profession that is rare or common; if it takes years of study, a few certification classes, or on-the-job training; or how much money you make
~ all professionals perform certain activities in order to remain professionals
~ when a professional stops doing these activities, their professionalism falls into decline

Question 2

To maintain your professionalism, you should:

Answer 2

• Track changes in laws that affect the profession
• Read and submit information to professional journals, periodicals, and websites
• Join and be active in professional associations
• Attend and teach at conferences, seminars, workshops, and continuing education courses
• Maintain training requirements mandated by law
• Mentor newcomers to the profession
• Accept work assignments that are progressively more responsible
• Sustain one-on-one interaction with peers and colleagues (networking)