Professionalism

Professional describes the standards of education and training that prepares people for their profession with particular knowledge and skills that are necessary to perform their role. According to Merriam-Webster, professional is characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession; as well as exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and businesslike manner in the workplace. The opposite of a profession is an amateur, which is someone who engages in an activity for pleasure, or a person who is not skillful at a job or other activity. An expert, on the other hand, is similar to professional; the difference between the two is, an expert is extraordinarily capable or knowledgeable to do a job, while a professional pertains to the (usually high) standards of a professional.
There are many ways to show professionalism. These ways can include, going to work with a good attitude and a smile, despite personal issues at home, or praising coworkers instead of praising yourself. Becoming an expert in a specialty is essential to being a professional, as well as perfecting the skills and tools needed to do a job efficiently, and keeping up to date knowledge on those skills. Professionalism is not just displayed to others, through attitude, but through how well the job is done. Quality work, worthy of taking pride in, are signs of a true