Importance Of Student Professionalism

Professionalism can be defined as “the way individuals act to support and positively promote the environment and the goal of the business or organization they are working in.” A mark of a great college or university is its ability to create an environment which nurtures student professionalism in which its students are supported to develop the knowledge and fundamental skills to demonstrate core competencies while behaving in ways that honor their profession. Helping students to achieve this level of professionalism is as important to a school as is its success in educating students in their specific areas of study. Professionalism is said to be comprised of various attributes which include relationships, responsibilities, and ethics. One

This means that one acts with constant awareness and respect and exhibits behaviors consistent with core tenets of professionalism and pride in one’s actions. A student understands the importance of life-long learning and maintaining competency in their chosen field. Being accountable for one’s actions and assuming responsibility in a mature manner especially when it comes to meeting expectations and deadlines is an integral part of student professionalism. This includes recognizing one’s limitations and seeking help when something is beyond one’s knowledge or level of experience. And, should one make a mistake, to own up to that mistake and learning from this. Lastly, bringing about the highest standards in one’s work, dress, demeanor and language to enhance the level of trust and respect by one’s peers. I understood that to become a Pharmacist, I have to commit to a life-time of learning and as such, I took on a job to begin my journey of learning and building up my core competency. I have had to ask for help and learn from my mistakes and show up consistently as someone whom people can trust with their medications. Being part of a team who is responsible for a person’s well-being and potentially their life up levels my game and has me be responsible on a whole other

Professionalism comes from incorporating most of these facets on a consistent basis that helps build trust and respect. Success is more of an individual point of view whereas professionalism is more team-oriented and incorporates others in one’s thought process. The concept of being “professional” is not new, but rather a forgotten one and this negatively affects many aspects of life including the ability of a student to be successful. Professionalism, is credited as being a major factor when it comes to success, both in the classroom and at the workplace. Society, today, is inundated with social media which discourages the long attention spans required to develop the skillsets needed to be professional. This, combined with busy parents who no longer spend time teaching their children what it is to be an ethical, accountable, responsible person who works hard to achieve success in life has led to a society of under achievers who feel that they simply deserve success without doing anything to earn it. It is evident that there’s an urgency for professionalism to rise on both college campuses and in the workplace. It is finally time for both parents and educators to begin working to develop professional workers who are setup for future success. This effort is essential to create a competent and professional generation. Educators and