Professional Practice

As a graduate student, you have probably succeeded in acquiring some work experience. However, the successful completion of your tasks does not mean that your practice at work is professional or that others see you as such. It is important to self-evaluate by asking yourself: Do I conduct myself professionally? This is a difficult question because the word professional is not always understood.

A common definition of professional practice or professionalism is a decision to acquire and exude knowledge and skills in a chosen field. Knowledge and skills in professional practice are reinforced by other attributes including: accountability, workplace etiquette, communication, performance excellence, leadership and respect.

What is the importance of professionalism?
Professionalism helps determine the behaviours that are generally acceptable across disciplines. It also helps integrate and standardize new guidelines and norms into a specific field.

The tip sheets below provide some steps to take on your path to professional enhancement. The sub-topics were chosen based on discussions with employers, graduate students, University of Alberta resources including professors and material common to various websites. Some simple exercises are included to help you apply the material as you advance in your professional practice.

U of A Resources

Check for workshops/sessions offered by following units:

• The Learning Shop - Human Resource Services
• International Centre

Additional Resources

• Giving Feedback to a Colleague
  Presentation at FGSR Professional Development Week, November 2009
• Presenting your Research Using PowerPoint
  Presentation at FGSR Professional Development Week, November 2009
• Graduate Ethics Training (GET) Course - Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
  May be taken, even if it's not required by your dept

Steps to Professional Practice

Step 1: Decide that your conduct should be professional. It is only when your decision to act professionally is accompanied by certain characteristics that others will define you as such. Details on some of these characteristics are presented in this module.

Step 2: Build a personal statement or philosophy that summarizes how you wish to achieve and maintain professionalism. Your philosophy impacts your professional practice.

Step 3: Evaluate yourself on a regular basis. This is important especially if your employer does not regularly evaluate you, or if the evaluation consistently yields poor results. One way to self-evaluate is to re-examine your professional philosophy or ask someone you trust who is familiar with your work to give you feedback. This could be a co-worker, a role model or an honest friend.