Final answer:
A professional refers to someone skilled and trained in a specific profession, often part of a specialized guild or association that maintains ethical standards. These individuals are characterized by their advanced education, commitment to career development, and adherence to a code of ethics relevant to their profession.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term professional refers to individuals or entities that are engaged in a profession where they offer specialized services or skills. These professionals often belong to specific guilds or associations which enforce standards, provide certification, and uphold ethics within the profession. For example, in the field of health, there are professional societies such as the American Hospital Association that serve to represent and assist medical professionals and healthcare institutions. In the arts, a professional theatre implies a production by guild-affiliated artists who are financially compensated for their expertise.
Professional individuals typically hold advanced education and training, which positions them for more lucrative careers. Moreover, they take responsibility for their career development, often requiring a combination of mentorship, continuous learning, and networking. Regarding ethical conduct, professionals are expected to abide by codes of ethics, like software engineers adhering to the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice issued by IEEE-CS. Therefore, the meaning of professional encapsulates a high degree of proficiency, adherence to ethical standards, and a commitment to continuous development within one’s career field.