15 Differences between Occupation and Profession & Best Similarities
Both the occupation and profession serve the same purpose. They are both methods of qualifying members of society in the field of work. The main differences between occupation and profession are that occupation does not require any qualifications or training, unlike professions that usually require training. If a person is qualified for a particular occupation, then he/she may be also qualified to do the same work as well as perform better in areas where he/she has been trained with specific qualifications.
What is Occupation?
A person’s occupation is the type of economic activity they routinely engage in in order to make money. The majority of the time, any economic activity in which a person engages or occupies himself or herself is known as their profession.
Occupation is used to describe a job, which is a specific area of work performed by an individual. A person’s occupation can be determined by his work history and education, but it is also influenced by the type of job he performs and where he works.
Occupations can be divided into two broad categories: professional and nonprofessional occupations.
- Professional occupations are those that require extensive education and training in order to perform them successfully.
- Nonprofessional occupations do not require extensive training or education to be successfully performed them.
For example, a construction worker does not need extensive training or education to become an expert in his field; however, in order to be hired for the position at all, he might require high school graduation or GED.
Advantages of Occupation
- It gives them a means of subsistence.
- Many people find it to be satisfying.
Disadvantages of Occupation
- It might not earn the individual involved respect.
- It keeps one active the entire time, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
- Typically, an occupation pays less in salary.
- Independence may be taken away by a job.
What is a Profession?
The term “profession” is used in the context of various occupations. A profession is a career that requires specialized training or an internship in order to get a high level of knowledge and skill in the relevant field. The provision of assistance to individuals in need is the profession’s primary goal.
A professional body or law regulates the profession. To be called a professional, a person has to pursue higher studies and qualify for the exam conducted by the governing body. A professional is typically referred to as an expert in his specialty. The professional body creates ethical norms that must be adhered to by professionals in order to maintain consistency in their work.
Professions are classified according to their areas of specialization such as medicine, engineering, etc., which have been separated from other professions by specialization in their field of study or practice. Professional bodies organize examinations for admission into different degrees and ranks within their respective fields of work like the bar exam for lawyers or medical examination for doctors etc., as it helps them earn better income as compared to other jobs where one can only get employment on a temporary basis while waiting for job market conditions improve.
Advantages of Profession
- One’s efficiency levels are raised by it.
- Respect is earned for the individual concerned.
- People’s feeling of duty grows as a result.
- It teaches people particular skills.
- Independent work is a requirement of a career.
- One can earn more money as a result.
Disadvantages of Profession
- It requires particular education.
- Higher education is required, which may appear difficult to some.
Differences between Occupation and Profession
Here are the top differences between occupation and profession that can help you grasp these terms. These are shown in a table. Such as-
| Comparison | Profession | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Word | Lating Word – Profiteri | Lating Word – Occupare |
| Meaning | A paid occupation | A job or profession |
| Definition | A profession is an occupation or vocation that calls for a high level of subject-matter knowledge and expertise. | A person’s occupation is the regular activity they engage in to support themselves. |
| Code of Behavior | Yes | No |
| Training | Compulsory | Not required |
| Statute-based Regulation | Yes | No |
| Payment Scale | Knowledge and Skill | Produce |
| Higher Study | Yes | No |
| Independence Degree Level | A professional is totally self-sufficient. | No independence exists. |
| Responsibilities | Yes | No |
| Esteem and Status | Really high | Low |
| Nature | An intellectual activity | The unbiased and general phrase |
| Lawful Regulation | Present | Absent |
| Inter-dependency | Present | Absent |
| Ethical Code | Both a moral or ethical code of conduct and a regulated status within the profession exist. | There is no moral or ethical code of conduct for the job. |
Occupation vs Profession
The following are some of the key differences between occupation and profession:
- Occupation is a task that a person often does in exchange for money. A profession is a line of activity requiring extensive training or knowledge.
- The profession, as opposed to the occupation, has a code of behavior.
- While a profession demands specialization in a certain area, an occupation does not, which is why training in that area is necessary.
- In general, unlike an occupation, a profession is governed by a specific or professional body of legislation.
- The compensation for an employer is based on the output, but the compensation for a profession is based on the knowledge and competence of the practitioner.
- When a person receives compensation for using his talents and knowledge in a career, it counts as an occupation.
- A professional is independent, meaning that nothing outside of him influences his job. On the other hand, because the individual doing the employer must comply with the orders of his superiors, there is a lack of freedom in the profession.
- There are various obligations that come with the occupation. An occupation, however, does not come with these obligations.
- Typically, the starting salary for a profession is more than for an occupation.
- Compared to their occupation, professionals enjoy a high position in society and are regarded by the general public.
Similarities between Occupation and Profession
Although differences between occupation and profession are the main topic of this article, there will be shown many similarities between the occupation of a person and his profession. Yet, let us check out some similarities in Occupation vs Profession.
In general, both occupations and professions are considered as a “form of work”. Even though they may have different names, they both have the same meaning. Both occupations and professions are performed by people who have special skills or knowledge in their fields of activity.
In many cases, people from one profession might get employed by another profession; for example, an engineer might get a job in a factory or an accountant might move to another firm that specializes in accounting work. In some countries, people from one profession may also become members of another profession; for example, someone with expertise in music may become an opera singer.
Similarly, there is no limit to the number of jobs that can be done by someone who has completed his education at one place as well as those who have gained practical experience at another place; this is because all types of jobs are based on knowledge or skills acquired during their study period or working period.
When Occupation becomes a Profession?
So far we have known the differences between occupation and profession and the similarities between them. Now we will discuss when occupation becomes a profession.
You will eventually start to recognize that there is something you want to accomplish or pursue. In this situation, you start the process of turning your job into a career. Typically, you achieve this by enrolling in essential training programs and educational courses that aid in skill development. You start to learn more, and as you do, you’ll start looking for employment that fit your skill set. Your professional path will be aided by this specialty. After doing this, you’ll be able to put your abilities to work and discover other opportunities.
Opportunity and occupation coincide, as was previously noted. Because of the advantages that can result from it, being a professional is typically the consequence that is more sought. As soon as you start working professionally, you’ll have obligations to fulfill. Depending on the company you work for, you might need to adhere to a specific set of rules. You could be granted some degree of autonomy to work however you see appropriate (as long as it benefits your work and company and if you are allowed to). You can grow in a job as long as you keep learning new abilities and honing the ones you currently have.
Conclusion
It is clear from the above definitions that a professional refers to someone who is not trained in a specific field but has acquired proficiency and experience in that field through on-the-job training, independent study, mentoring, or other means. Professionals may consult with professionals within their area of expertise or with professionals who have expertise in other relevant areas. They use this experience to provide valuable input or advice in a specific field of business where they may not be as experienced. These are the main discussion about the similarities and differences between occupation and profession.
