A few years ago, I crossed paths with a fellow translator who boasted about the many courses she had completed and the extensive list of conferences she had attended. I worked on several projects with her, but her delays in deliveries and her reluctance to accept constructive feedback made it clear to me that, although she was the queen of credentials, she was not a professional role model in my eyes.
There’s a tendency to think that professionalism is solely defined by the number of titles or certifications. They are crucial, of course. But true professionalism goes beyond qualifications, don’t you think?
It’s about demonstrating:
Integrity, reliability, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
It’s about strong:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
- Adaptability
- Willingness to continually learn and grow
It’s also about:
- striving for continuous improvement;
- fostering meaningful connections;
- making a positive impact on the people around us; and
- having a strong work ethic ―one of my favorites, nothing like working with honest and trustworthy people!
The degree is just the beginning. A true professional embodies certain innate or acquired characteristics that make up the essence of a well-rounded professional.
