Question

Option I: Occupational Analysis - Professionalization

Choose a profession that is not in the medical field(nurse, or physician) and not in the law field(lawyer).

Describe how this profession reflects each of the four hallmarks of a profession.

Consider the possible future of this profession. Do you see the rapid creation of new knowledge leading to losses to the profession, such intellectual obsolescence, or routinization of professional judgment, or a loss of skills among the professionals?  

Analyze any threats you see to any of the four hallmarks.

Do you see any other dangers to the profession that could lead to de-professionalization? Explain.

Answer 1

Engineer is a profession where the four hallmarks of a profession are reflected. These four hallmarks are specialized knowledge, authority over subordinates and clients, autonomy, and altruism. Each one of these hallmarks is well reflected in this profession. Engineers have specialized abstract knowledge about engineering that is sufficient to carry out the job without any flaws. They have authority over subordinates and clients with which they can correct any issues created by them. They are capable to take autonomous decisions in their particular field. They have a selfless concern about the wellbeing of their colleagues. This profession has a very bright future in all fields. Rapid creation of new knowledge leading to losses to the profession, intellectual obsolescence, or routinization of professional judgment, or a loss of skills among the professionals can be seen in this profession also. I do not see any threats to any of the four hallmarks. Artificial Intelligence can be considered as a threat to the profession that could lead to de-professionalization. In the future, the use of AI will be like an invasion in all fields. Without the knowledge of AI, any qualified and experienced engineer would become useless and outdated.