What is a Professional?

Although professionals are not often in the spotlight, they truly make a difference to BC.

A professional is someone who has engaged in extensive education to gain specialized skills and whose work is predominantly intellectual and involves using discretion and judgement.

Often, professionals are licensed by associations governing the practice of their profession. These licensing bodies have codes of conduct and standards of practice for members to follow, making professionals accountable to both their employer and the public interest.

The work of professionals is usually self-directed and they provide expertise to their employers on the protection of resources and public health and safety. Often, the recommendations and decisions of BC’s professionals have a lasting effect on the well-being of the province.

Many professionals have unique and interesting jobs, twelve of which are profiled here.

Professionals are mines inspectors checking to make sure that abandoned pits are not impacting the health of neighbouring residents. They are software developers at the University of Victoria who support researchers and students through state-of-the-art technology. They are the veterinarians protecting the public and the agricultural industry from avian flu and other threats. They are the people working behind the scenes for the future of BC.

Professionals go to work every day knowing that their work makes life better for their friends, families and communities.

Above all, professionals have passion for their work. They are life-long learners and are dedicated to their profession.