The word occupation and profession many at times are used interchangeably but these two words do not exactly mean the same thing. The main difference between occupation and profession is that occupation is a general term for any activity one gets involved to make a living (earn an income ) while profession involves activity one does for a living after going through some formal training/ education . We will expantiate further on how these two terms differ in the following paragraphs. So lets begin: difference between occupation and profession.
What Is Occupation?
Occupation is simply any activity an individual embark on in order to earn an income. It could be a formal or informal activity. There are 3 major divisions of occupation:
- Business
- Employment
- Profession
Business is simply any activity that involves buying and selling undertaken by a person.
Employment: here you get work for someone and get paid at the end.
Profession: this kind of occupation involves an individual rendering services to others.
Features Of An Occupation
- It allows you earn an income
- Occupation gives you opportunity to meet with people and form great relationships
- It allows you learn something new in a different environment
- It gives you a sense of belonging
- Some kind of occupation requires some formal training while some do not
What Is Profession
It is an activity that requires some special skills and knowledge in order to earn an income. People who engage in profession are known as professionals. Professionals have major role of rendering services to people. There are usually different professional bodies guiding the activity of professions.
Examples of profession include:
- Accountancy
- Engineer
- Lawyers
- Architects
- Banking, etc.
Each profession has its own code of conduct and ethics
Now lets consider the difference between Occupation and Profession
Difference Between Occupation and Profession
We would explain the difference between occupation and profession using the following terminologies:
- Definition
- Kind of qualification
- Code of conduct
- Payment mode
- Structured responsibilities
- Respect and status
- Statutory regulation
Definition
Occupation simply refers to activity that people engage in to earn a living while profession involves activity that usually first require some education/ training before one can earn a living from it.
Kind of qualification
There is usually no need for educational qualification when it comes to occupation while in profession, education and training is compulsory.
Code of conduct
There is usually no specific code of conduct guiding occupation but in profession, there are specific code of conduct guiding them.
Payment mode
In occupation, people are paid based on productivity while in profession, people are paid based in skill and knowledge.
Statutory bodies
In profession, there are statutory bodies that offer guidance to professions, this is most times absent in occupation.
Status/class
Professionals are more classed and respected in the society than those in occupation
Income level
Individuals in professions are usually paid more most times than those in occupation
Independence level
People in occupation don’t get to be independent in their work but professionals have some level of independence.
Similarities Between Occupation And Profession
- People in professions and occupation earn income, could be daily, weekly or monthly
- Both gives a sense of belonging in the society
- You are able to make positive contributions to the society through both
- Both can make life worth living and give life a meaning
- Both gives you opportunity to meet and form long-lasting relationships
- Both gives you a voice in the family and society
Top 10 Professions In The 21st Century
- Software developer
- Robotics Engineer
- Cybersecurity
- Project manager
- User experience (UX) researcher
- Analyst
- E-commerce specialist
- Caregiver
- Mental health counsellor
- Creative director
1. Software developer
It is one of the top professions in the 21st century. They use the knowledge of programming languages to design software programs for mobile devices, computer and websites.
Roles Of A Software Developer
- Designs algorithms and flowchart
- Create new software programs and systems
- Test and deploy programs applications
- Troubleshoot, debug maintain and improve existing software
How To Be A Software Developer
- Get a bachelor or master’s degree in Computer science
- Problem-solving and communication skills
- Good knowledge of software development
2. Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineer design robotics equipment for industries like mining, automotive, manufacturing, etc. These machines produced are able to replicate human actions and can thus perform, repetitive unhealthy and hazardous jobs in the industries
Roles Of A Robotics Engineer
- Carry out research in different robotics field
- Design processes and prototypes that are useful in building machines
- Test robotics systems
- Design robotic system
How To Be A Robotics Engineer
- Bachelor degree in computer science or related field
- Sound knowledge of CAD/CAM software
- Analytical skill
- Communication skill
- Must have ability to develop Integrated systems
3. Cybersecurity professionals
Cybersecurity is a field in digital world that helps protect all sorts of data from theft and loss. Cybersecurity professionals protect a company’s system and network from theft online.
Roles Of Cybersecurity
- Look out for security -related issues
- Carry out investigation of incident
- Configuration and utilizing firewalls, encryption programs
- Regularly carry out tests and risk assessment
- Safe guard information and system assets
How To Become A Cyber Security Specialist
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer science, Information system or related field
- Proficiency in the use of antivirus and security software
4. Project Manager
A project manager plan and manage projects within an organization. He/She is relevant in different projects in the company such as IT, marketing, HR, construction, etc.
Roles Of A Project Manager
- Develop detailed project plans
- Ensure projects are delivered on time within set budget and scope
- Ensure resources are available and well-allocated
- Carry out risk management in order to minimize project risks
5. Caregiver
A caregiver is a person who cares for the well-being of another person (could be a baby, aged adult or sick person.
Roles Of A Caregiver
- Assess medical needs of the person being cared for
- Prepare a schedule for the care program
- Help out with basic needs e.g eating, grooming, bathing, etc.
- Provide some companionship
- Assist with house chores
- Prepare meals
- Monitor medications
Final Note
In wrapping up this article on difference between occupation and profession, it is important that you let your choice be guided by the right reasons. Whether you are going for occupation or profession , let passion, interest or commitment to help others be your driving reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of Occupation?
- Profession
- Employment
- Business
What is a profession in plain terms?
A profession is a kind of job that usually requires advanced training/ education
What are the similarities between occupation and profession?
- Occupation and profession are done to earn a living
- Both are of beneficial to the society
When does an occupation become a profession?
As occupation can be classified as a profession when it involves prolonged formal education/ training
What are some examples of profession?
Accountant
Scientist
Software developer, teacher, etc.
References
- www. Surpassliving. com- Top 10 duties of a Senior caregiver
- www. byjus. com- Explain profession
- www. scb. co. th – Top 10 Prosperous Professions in the 21st-22nd century
- www. indek. com- Software Developer job description: Top duties and qualifications
- www. resourcesworkable. com- Robotics Engineer Job description
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