WorldWide Drilling Resource

Can you call yourself a professional? If so, be proud of your hard work. Publisher’s Note: This is an article which appeared in the November 2014 E-News Flash by WorldWide Drilling Resource ® . Because professionalism is of the utmost importance, we wanted everyone to have the opportunity to read this valuable information. 61 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MARCH 2015 Being a Professional Takes Work Compiled by Amy White, Associate Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Professionalism is rarely taught. It’s something you cannot buy with a diploma, years of experience, or talent. But somewhere along the way, you’re supposed to pick it up on your own through a combination of observation and gradual learning. It’s something you choose. So what exactly does it mean to be a professional? In the most basic sense, a professional is someone who gets paid regularly for something they do. For example, athletes are “professionals” when they get paid to play, and “amateurs” when they’re not paid. If you’re a drilling professional in the literal sense, you accept money in ex- change for drilling services. Because your craft is your livelihood, it is assumed you hold yourself to a higher standard of service, if for no other reason than to keep clients and revenue coming. But isn’t there more to your work than just dollars? Being a professional isn’t merely receiving payment for a service. It also means valuing yourself and your services fairly, being generous, sharing knowledge, and always giving a bit more than you receive, with confi- dence, you’ll eventually reap what you sow. It means giving people more than they expect every time. To deliver the best possible service to your clients, you must constantly be at the forefront of your field. In jobs like drilling, where regulations and codes can change, up-to-date knowledge is especially important. It’s not enough to simply punch in and out every day. Keeping your skills and understanding fresh requires time and effort put forth by attending classes and seminars, or doing self-guided research. Going the extra mile is all in a day’s work. It shows you care about your profession, and you deliver cutting-edge service at the same time. Perhaps the most important aspect of professionalism is respect. To earn the title of professional, you must treat people with nothing less than utmost respect, no matter if it is the waiter who got your order wrong, or someone below you in the workplace hierarchy. It all comes down to the character of a person - on and off the job. It’s more than qualifications and certifications. It’s actually about who you are deep down. True drilling professionals take pride in their hard work. ...always giving a bit more... " ; # 511-,(2 0) 20'5&43 %9 4+(3( ,/( $/5)$&452(23 ; 08 029'0/ # ! : : $8 $,- 3$-(3 *,6(/3,/4(2/$4,0/$- &0. "(% ,4( 777 *,6(/3,/4(2/$4,0/$- &0.