The modern world is so fast-changing that the human brain is not able to cover the entire amount of information given. However, becoming a professional is real. The bosses often value such employees and partners, as the company's image is formed on the basis of the staff. How to become a professional in any chosen field? No doubt, you need a lot of time to learn, to gain experience and absorb new knowledge. Nevertheless, knowledge alone is not enough.
Love What You Do, Do What You Love
It seems that passion for your work is the most necessary thing for the development of professionalism. You will not be able to master the thoroughness of doing the job without loving it. There should be a feeling of happiness while diving into the process, looking for ways of solving the problems, learning new skills and improving the technique. Frankly, it is impossible to become a professional, if you do not like what you do. Sometimes the work you love does not bring the required amount of money and that is what stops you from doing what you were born for. However, develop yourself in a way you are interested in, and (with time and growth of professionalism) it can bring the great rewards.
Practice More!
You can read hundreds of books about the job you’re doing, but you won’t become a professional until you apply this knowledge in practice. There are many techniques and instructions to one and the same type of activity. What is good for one, can be detrimental to the other. Therefore, all of the skills acquired during learning or working (or by yourself) should be field-tested. Perhaps some sort of method was tested by dozens of people and has shown excellent results, but for you it is absolutely not appropriate. Try something else. Invent your own! Not all the discoveries have already been made in this world. There is no immunity from mistakes so you shouldn’t be afraid of them! To understand which methods are effective, and which are a complete mess, you have to try everything.
Professional VS Layman
Professionals know their worth! They love their work, but this doesn’t mean that they are ready to perform it for free. They clearly know how much their services cost and how long it will take to complete the work. They are initiative and not afraid to make sensible proposals, which will be able to optimize the work of the whole team. Professionals do not rest on their laurels. There is always a space to grow! They are trying to learn new things and at the same time want to share the gained knowledge with others.
How to Define: Am I a Pro or Not?
There are three main components of professionalism: experience, knowledge and speed. Professional is not only a package of knowledge in particular field, but also is the one who is able to apply the ideas in practice quickly and efficiently.