Profession and its characteristics

A profession is an occupation that requires long, specialised education and training in an organised body of knowledge, whose members provide skilled service to society according to a code of ethics, and are usually licensed by a professional body. Examples: medicine, law, engineering, accounting.

Characteristics of a profession

1. Specialised knowledge and skill: based on theory learnt through higher education and practice.
2. Formal education and training: a recognised degree plus experience.
3. Service to society: public welfare comes before personal gain.
4. Code of ethics/conduct: members follow written rules of behaviour.
5. Professional organisation/licence: a body such as Nepal Engineering Council registers members and controls entry and discipline.
6. Autonomy: members use independent judgement and the body self-regulates.
7. Public recognition and status: society trusts and rewards professionals.
8. Responsibility and accountability: liable for negligence and misconduct.
9. Continuous learning: updating through CPD, research and publications.
10. Fair remuneration for services (fee, not mere wages).

Engineering as a profession

Engineering meets these tests: it needs a four-year bachelor degree with mathematics and science, registration with Nepal Engineering Council under the Nepal Engineering Council Act 2055, a code of conduct, professional societies (Nepal Engineers' Association, Society of Computer Engineers), and it serves public safety and development. Hence engineering is a recognised profession.