Professional_Knowledge_and_Abilities

Running head: PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Professional Knowledge and Abilities Andrea Singleton University of Phoenix Gen 200 Shazia Ali February 1, 2010 Professional Knowledge and Abilities In today’s job market professional knowledge and abilities are a necessity. With unemployment so high, employers obtain the right to be fastidious in their requirements for an applicant. For that reason, it is important to graduate from college with a degree and complete an internship to create added marketability. In addition, an applicant would be well advises to enhance his or her resume through a membership with a professional organization. An excellent example of an organization that promotes knowledge and abilities is the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. The Red Cross is the nation’s number one emergency response organization. It facilitates unbiased humanitarian care to victims of war and devastating natural disasters. It is also one of the most efficient organizations in the world with an average of 92 cents out of every dollar spent going to its humanitarian services and programs. Its infrastructure is in place and well established throughout the nation enabling little funding waste through administration. In addition to disaster relief the Red Cross offers aid in five other areas: community service for the needy, support and comfort to military members and family, educational programs that promote health and safety, international relief and development programs, and is the nation’s largest supplier of lifesaving blood (American Red Cross, 2010). The Red Cross provides knowledge and skills to more than 15 million people for emergency preparedness in their homes, communities, and world. The Red Cross contributes to professional knowledge and abilities by providing health and safety training and emergency preparedness. This learned information will endow an individual with the skill to help his or her community in everyday life and an emergency. This acquired knowledge and abilities will affect success by demonstrating to the employer that the applicant is willing to go beyond the call of duty to help others. Hiring someone with ethics and values is very important to an employer. Learning skills through the Red Cross on one’s own time demonstrates strength of character and commitment to caring that would indicate a strong core of ethics and values. Working with the Red Cross will also enhance one’s ability to become a leader and work well with others, which in turn translates to success. In conclusion, professional knowledge and abilities is a requirement to developing a successful career. By becoming a member of the American Red Cross one can improve his or her leadership and collaboration skills by working within and around his or her community helping others. This experience will expand an individual’s ethical standards and will make him or her an exemplary candidate for a job. Reference American Red Cross (2010). About Us. Retrieved January 25, 2010, from http:www.redcross.org