CHAPTER 01 – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN CAREER PLAN

PROFESSION – is a calling that PROFESSIONAL – an individual PROFESSIONALISM – embraces a

requires advanced knowledge, skills
and preparation; and grows out of
society’s need for special services
who displays competent and skillful
behaviors in alignment with their
profession
set of attitudes, skills, behaviors,
attributes, and values that are
expected from those to whom
society has extended the privilege of
being considered a professional

Professionalism

In a recent study on Career Readiness conducted by NACE (National Association of Colleges and
Employers), employers who hire college graduates were asked which professional competencies were
essential to workplace success.

Professionalism/ work ethic topped the list with 97. 5 % of respondents identifying It as either “absolutely
essential” or “essential” for a new college hire’s success.

KNOWLEDGE -facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the
theoretical or practical understanding of a subject
SKILLS - the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. b.:
dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks. 2.: a learned power of doing
something competently: a developed aptitude or ability
ATTITUDE - the way a person thinks or feels about a specific person, place, action, or experience. Like
individual perspective, attitude encompasses a person's particular emotions and how they act toward
someone or something

Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are technical knowledge or training that you have gained
through any life experience, including in your career or education. For example:

If you’ve worked in food service or retail, you may know how to use a point-of-sale system.
If you've taken an accounting class, you may know how to use Microsoft Excel.
If you’ve studied a foreign language, you may be able to speak it fluently.

Hard skills list

• Some of the most in-demand hard skills • Statistical analysis
include: • Data mining
• Bilingual or multilingual • Mobile development
• Database management • User interface design
• Adobe software suite • Marketing campaign management
• Network security • Storage systems and management
• SEO/SEM marketing

Soft skills are personal habits and traits that shape how you work, on your own and with others. Effective
communication, for example, is a key soft skill many employers seek. Some others include dependability,
effective teamwork and active listening.

Soft skills are essential to your career and as you search for jobs. While hard skills are necessary to
successfully perform technical tasks in a job, soft skills are necessary to create a positive and
functional work environment. For this reason, employers often seek individuals who possess proven soft
and hard skills. Some employers may prefer to select candidates who have a stronger set of soft skills over
hard skills, as soft skills are at times more difficult to develop.

Some of the most in-demand soft skills include:

• Integrity • Open-mindedness • Critical thinking
• Dependability • Teamwork • Adaptability
• Effective • Creativity • Organization
communication • Problem-solving • Willingness to learn
ETHICS- a set of moral principles or values
ETIQUETTES – the conduct or procedure required or prescribed by authority to be observed in official life

WAYS YOU CAN DEVELOP AND PRACTICE PROFESSIONALISM

1. Be productive
Use your time productively at work. Focus on your job responsibilities and avoid getting pulled into
social media, web browsing, and phone activity while on the clock.
2. Develop a professional image
Project a professional presence and dress appropriately for your industry and organization. A good
rule of thumb is to dress in the position you aspire to have.
3. Take the initiative
Ask for more projects to be given to you or think of assignments that will meet your organization's
goals. You don’t want to be under-utilized.
4. Maintain effective work habits
Prioritize, plan, and manage your assignments and projects.
Follow up and follow through with your supervisor and team members.
5. Manage your time efficiently
Establish priorities, set goals, and create action plans to meet deadlines.
6. Demonstrate integrity
Be accountable for your work and actions while behaving ethically at all times.
7. Provide excellence
Produce work and results that reflect a sense of pride and professionalism, often exceeding
expectations.
8. Be a problem-solver
When you run into problems and obstacles take the time to brainstorm a few solutions and
alternatives before you meet with your supervisor.
9. Be resilient
Develop coping skills to manage setbacks and challenges positively and constructively.
10. Communicate effectively
Practice professional on-line, in person, and interpersonal communication skills.
11. Develop self-awareness
Learn to manage your emotions and gain awareness of your emotional triggers so you can manage
your reactions positively and productively. Accept and reflect on feedback to assist as you learn and
grow.
12. Build relationships
Network with colleagues, customers and clients to build professional cordial relationships, work on
teams and collaborate effectively.
DRESSING APPROPRIATELY FOR THE WORKPLACE

1. TATTOOS
Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands, for instance, are considered risky because of their association
with prison and gang branding. Tattoos that can be covered by a long-sleeved shirt with collar and
slacks are a safe bet.
2. PIERCINGS
Earlobe stretching and piercings on the nasal septum or lips are still generally frowned upon in
professional settings.
3. DYED HAIR
As with tattoos and piercings, hair dye is becoming more acceptable generally, but extreme
expression is inadvisable in any traditional workplace.

PROPER GROOMING

• IMPORTANCE OF GOOD GROOMING

All of us are more interested in things that are attractive than those that are unattractive. People like to be
associated with better-looking men and women and that is a fact.

BODY: freshly bathed/showered. use deodorant

HAIR: clean, trimmed and neatly combed or arranged
FINGERNAILS: NEAT, CLEAN AND TRIMMED
FACIAL HAIR (MEN ONLY) : FRESHLY SHAVED, MUSTACHE OR BEARD NEATLY TRIMMED
BREATH: BEWARE OF FOODS WHICH MAY LEAVE BREATH ODOR. BEWARE OF TOBACCO,
ALCOHOL AND COFFEE ODOR. BRUSH YOUR TEETH 3 TIMES A DAY AND USE A BREATH MINT
IF NEEDED.
PERFUMES/COLOGNES: Use sparingly or none. Your scent should not linger after you leave.
MAKE-UP (WOMEN ONLY): Use sparingly and be natural-looking.

PROPER DRESSCODE

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Is a requored soft skill for all professions. It is the continuos process of acquiring new knowledge
and skills that relate to your profession, your job responsibilities, or your work environment. It is a
key role in maintaining trained, informed, and motivated people.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN

- Is the proactive planning and execution of actions steps towards your career goals.
Professional development must continue long after you land your first job if you want to remain relevant
and valuable to your employer, as well as have opportunities to advance.

Here are the top professional development skills

that can enhance your career.
1. Communication skills.
2. Problem-solving skills.
3. Organization and planning skills.
4. Management skills.
5. Having a positive attitude and service mindset.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

1. Upskilling allows for more and better opportunities in your career

2. Gain confidence in your work with more knowledge and understanding
3. Become an expert in your field or passion
4. Get to know more people from a broader network
5. Enhances your professional reputation
6. Remain challenged in your role and avoid complacency
7. Have the most up-to-date knowledge in your field or specialty
8. Cope with stress in better ways
9. Improve your emotional intelligence and enhance business relationships
10. Feel better equipped to take on new tasks, projects, and interactions

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYER BENEFITS

1. Employees who are progressing and achieving their goals are more engaged
2. Employees will feel more valued and are more likely to stay with your business
3. Employees will have better knowledge to represent your business and create efficiencies
4. Your employees will be the most updated in the industry
5. Employees are more likely to perform at a higher quality after professional development
6. Employee motivation is improved (another great point for staff retention)
7. You will be building a confident and collaborative workforce
8. It is more effective to upskill and succession plan than to hire new employees
9. Employees will feel more comfortable to achieve autonomously
10. Overall, you can achieve a happier, more productive workforce who are less likely to move on from
your organization and instead advocate for your brand.