Professions and Professionals

[Hacienda71]

What is the difference between a profession and a trade?

 

[wheresthetorch]

I think this encapsulates it nicely:

"it is a career for someone that wants to be part of society, who becomes competent in their chosen sector through training; maintains their skills through continuing professional development (CPD); and commits to behaving ethically, to protect the interests of the public"

So professional footballer must be an oxymoron.

 

[rikki]

What is the difference between a profession and a trade?

or a trade and a craft?
is a craftsman or craftswoman a professional?

 

[Tin Pot]

If it doesn't have an Ancient and Weird Royal Charter then it isn't a Profession.

Being paid to do something says nothing of the quality of your ability.

 

[Tin Pot]

So professional footballer must be an oxymoron.

There is certainly an element of the moronic about it.

 

[tyred]

I'm a professional time-waster and I am very good at it.

 

[rikki]

If it doesn't have an Ancient and Weird Royal Charter then it isn't a Profession.

Like the The Skinner's Company.

Most "professions" thought they were above trade. It's not long ago that lawyers and accountants were forbidden from advertising.
Now the big four CA firms advertise like insurance companies. Everywhere.

 

[jefmcg]

This brings to mind a remark (from Dorothy Parker, I think) about a woman "who had lost her amateur standing".

(also, and irrelevantly, "if all the women in this room were laid end to end, I wouldn't be at all surprised")

 

[swee'pea99]

I saw a coach this morning with a slogan on side of it boasting about its professional drivers.
It set me thinking what is a Professional? Is it someone who works in a profession? What is a professions?

We talk about professional footballers as meaning a player who gets played. does this make football a profession?

If someone who gets paid is a professional, does that make every job a profession?

Depends how you interpret the words. As Humpty Dumpty said, “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less."

Strictly, and in turn...

What is a Professional? Someone who gets paid to do something. As opposed to 'amateur' - someone who doesn't.

Is it someone who works in a profession? Not necessarily.

What is a profession? One of a loosely-defined group of occupations that traditionally refer to themselves in such a way, usually ones that involve 'letters after your name', marking the achievement of prescribed 'professional' qualifications.

does this make football a profession? No. Being a professional doesn't necessarily mean you are in a profession.

If someone who gets paid is a professional, does that make every job a profession? No.

The slogan on the coach, as tends to be the case with such slogans, is essentially vacuous. All it means is 'we pay our drivers'. Which is a modest claim, at best. Compare 'our x is unique'. Well yes. And so is every turd laid on a pavement by a dog since the dawn of creation. Well done you.

 

[Tin Pot]

Rather than mull over a series of conjectures and misconceptions in attempt to define/redefine the term, why not look up some definitions - or is that too sensible?

Philistine!

 

[Tin Pot]

Like the The Skinner's Company.

Most "professions" thought they were above trade. It's not long ago that lawyers and accountants were forbidden from advertising.
Now the big four CA firms advertise like insurance companies. Everywhere.

The good old days eh?

 

[CaadX]

Any trade can be profession, conducting it in a professional manner is another matter.

 

[Cubist]

I remember asking my Sergeant whether the town I was posted to had a street vice issue. "Nay lad" was the reply "No need for professionals round here, there's far too many enthusiastic amateurs giving it away for nowt."

 

[mustang1]

I think this encapsulates it nicely:

"it is a career for someone that wants to be part of society, who becomes competent in their chosen sector through training; maintains their skills through continuing professional development (CPD); and commits to behaving ethically, to protect the interests of the public"

So that rules out politicians.