Developing a professional identity requires three important steps: (1) gaining knowledge, skills, and values held by other practitioners in the chosen profession; (2) differentiating oneself from those who are not part of the chosen profession; and (3) identifying with the chosen profession. One way in which students can begin to develop a professional identity is through critical self-reflection (Trede, Macklin, & Bridges, 2012).
For this Assignment, you write an initial draft of your professional identity statement as a leader in the human services profession. In doing so, you reflect on your values and beliefs, how you define yourself as a practitioner, and your special interests (e.g., specific issues and populations of interest to you, including those that speak to a social justice passion) in the context of leading change efforts in the human services profession.
Describe the values and beliefs that influence you as an advanced human services professional practitioner concerned with leading change efforts to benefit individuals and communities and create a more just society.
Explain how you define yourself as a practitioner working in a leadership position.
Describe your special interests (e.g., specific issues and populations of interest to you, including those that speak to a social justice passion).
