Professional Identity

Defining your Professional Identity

Professional identity is an image individuals use to describe themselves as professionals. The image may include different aspects that affect professional activity: motives, values, beliefs and skills. Through your education, work and life experiences you develop skills, knowledge, work behaviors, values, ethics and goals that will lead you towards purposeful and fulfilling work.
 

Professional Identity Formation

Your professional identity is based on your personal experience, beliefs and values, but also on social interactions. By seeing your professional activities through the eyes of others, you learn about yourself as professionals and representatives of a certain social group.

The development of professional identity is a life-long process. The formation usually begins at university, when a student begins to recognize himself/herself as a representative of a particular profession. Professional identity continues to develop, adding new practices and professional socialization experiences. Therefore, professional identity stops developing only once a person decides to stop one’s professional realization.

Why is it helpful to know your professional identity

Knowing and being comfortable with your professional identity throughout your career development builds confidence and enthusiasm. You will be more apt to reach out to your network or apply for a job because you recognize your professional value.

Benefits of having a professional identity:

• You know what you have to offer and what you want to learn
• You can create a well-thought-out approach to your short term career goals
• You can create a compelling elevator pitch
• You can compose a well-written, concise and relevant CV
• You can write a cover letter that shows how you match the vacancy requirements
• You can explain in an interview that you are a good fit for the job