Professional Practices

BS Computer Science, 9th Batch, 7th Semester

Lecture # 01
• Profession

• Professional

• Professionalism
1. What is Profession?
• "A paid occupation especially one that involves prolonged training and a
formal qualification”

• A profession is a specialized field of work that requires formal education,

training, and a specific skill set. Professions are typically governed by
regulatory bodies or associations that set standards for qualification,
behavior, and ethics. Professionals in these fields often have legal and
social responsibilities to uphold certain principles of practice.
• Examples: Law, Medicine, Engineering, Software Development.
Formal Education
• A formal education is one where you would go to a college or
university for an actual degree.

• An informal education is simply learning a trade from someone else.

It’s possible to have a formal education and an informal education.

• The formal education is what most employers would prefer to see

because it is easier to prove. Having a degree in a specific field will
mean that you have certain knowledge that will translate into a
better paying job and the company that’s employing you getting a
qualified person for the job.
Informal Education
• An informal education is what many people end up having. You work
under someone who has a degree or has been doing it for enough
years to be knowledgeable about the subject.

• Many car mechanics and other "trade” skills usually have an informal
education as to what they’re doing.

• Informal education can also be referred to as life experience. After

going through life for so many years, you’ll naturally acquire some
knowledge about different things that you may not even learn after
going through a formal education.
2. What is professional?
• Professional is a member of profession or any person, who earn their
living from a special professional activity. the term also describe the
standards of Education and Training that prepare members of profession
with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform their
specific role within that profession.
• A professional is an individual who is qualified to perform tasks within a
specific profession. Professionals are expected to apply their expertise,
follow ethical standards, and exhibit a high level of competence in their
field. They usually have a formal qualification or certification from an
accredited body that indicates their capability to work in a given field.
Characteristics of a Professional:
• Specialized knowledge and skills.
• Formal qualifications and adherence to a code of ethics.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Responsibility towards clients, employers, and society.
Characteristics of a Professional:

1. Specialized Knowledge and Skills

Professionals possess deep expertise in their specific field, gained through formal education,
training, and experience. They demonstrate a mastery of the tools, techniques, and best
practices that are essential for performing their role effectively.
Example: A software engineer is proficient in programming languages, software development
methodologies, and problem-solving techniques, allowing them to create efficient and
effective software solutions.

2. Formal Qualifications and Adherence to a Code of Ethics

Professionals typically hold formal qualifications, such as degrees or certifications, that
validate their competence in a particular area. They also commit to a code of ethics that
governs their behavior, ensuring they act with integrity, fairness, and responsibility in their
professional interactions.
Example: A certified data scientist follows ethical standards related to data privacy, ensuring
they handle personal data responsibly and comply with data protection regulations.
Characteristics of a Professional:

3. Commitment to Continuous Learning and Improvement

The professional world evolves rapidly, particularly in fields like computing and technology.
Professionals remain committed to ongoing education and personal development, continually
upgrading their skills to stay relevant and effective in their work.
Example: An IT specialist regularly attends training, seminars, and workshops to learn about
new cybersecurity threats and tools to combat them.

4. Responsibility Towards Clients, Employers, and Society

Professionals are accountable for the quality of their work and the impact it has on clients,
employers, and society as a whole. They understand that their actions and decisions can
affect others, and they prioritize ethical conduct, social responsibility, and the well-being of
stakeholders.
Example: A software developer working on a public healthcare system ensures the system is
secure, user-friendly, and reliable, knowing that any malfunction could affect public health
and safety.
3. What is professionalism?
• A profession is not just what you do, it's who you are.
• Professionalism is a way of thinking and living rather than an
accumulation of learning (the process of gradually developing knowledge
and skills over time).
• Professionalism refers to the behavior, conduct, and attitude exhibited
by someone who is recognized as a professional in their field. It
encompasses ethical practices, accountability, reliability, and integrity in
performing one’s duties. Professionalism also involves maintaining a
respectful and positive attitude in the workplace, striving for excellence,
and adhering to the standards set by one's profession.
Key Traits of Professionalism:
• Ethical conduct: Honesty, integrity, and fairness.
• Competence: Staying updated with advancements in the field.
• Accountability: Being responsible for one's actions and decisions.
• Respect: Treating colleagues, clients, and stakeholders with respect.
Engineers Must Know

The Engineering Council in the UK and other engineering bodies

worldwide emphasize that, in addition to possessing professional and
technical knowledge, an engineer must also be proficient in a range of
other competencies to effectively contribute to society, uphold ethical
standards, and perform their role responsibly.

These responsibilities involve making sound technical decisions,

understanding commercial and economic factors, complying with
government regulations, and recognizing their role in industrial relations
and professional ethics.

Continued…
Engineers Must Know

1. Technical Decision-Making and Commercial/Economic Implementation

Engineers must balance technical solutions with commercial and economic
considerations. This includes:
• Cost-effectiveness: Choosing materials or processes that meet quality and budget.
• ROI: Ensuring decisions provide long-term financial benefits.
• Market Alignment: Tailoring solutions to meet client needs and business objectives.

2. Knowledge of Government Legislation (Safety, Health, and Environmental

Requirements)
Engineers must comply with laws regarding health, safety, and environmental
protection, ensuring:
• Safety: Meeting legal safety standards to prevent accidents.
• Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing environmental impact and complying with
laws.
• Risk Management: Anticipating and mitigating potential risks to public safety and
the environment.
Engineers Must Know

3. Understanding Management and Industrial Relations

Engineers must understand project management and industrial relations, including:
• Management Principles: Leading teams, managing resources, and delivering projects
efficiently.
• Industrial Relations: Navigating relations with trade unions and ensuring fair working
conditions.
• Trade Union Knowledge: Understanding workers’ rights and collaborating on labor issues.

4. Responsibility to the Profession, Community, and Environment

Engineers have ethical duties beyond their technical roles:
• To the Profession: Upholding standards, mentoring, and contributing to the field.
• To the Community: Ensuring their work benefits society, addressing safety and societal
needs.
• To the Environment: Designing sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that reduce
environmental harm.

These are some responsibilities an engineer must consider outside of their technical
expertise.
Acknowledgment
Material presented in these lecture slides is obtained from internet and
youtube.