Art of Professionalism in Software development

Where and how do I even begin to express its crucial importance to your career as a software engineer
Just like a work of art, professionalism defines and describes you in this competitive world of software. Ever wondered why some developers get hired and some don’t? Permit me to let the cat out of the bag. It’s simply because of the level of professionalism the portray to their future employers that others don’t, the effect of that places value on you and assures your employers of your confidence in your skills, and that is how you stand out from the crowd. This is only the second-best thing professionalism adds to your career.
The first is the significant effect it has on your personal development as an engineer. been professional in what you do drastically improves your productivity level and team play mentality, which in turn improves your hard skills and most importantly your soft skills ( most valued skill ). Here is a list of seven core habits to cultivate to improve your level of professionalism so you wouldn’t be the next regular “joe” in this industry.
Punctuality
You can be the most punctual person ever, but that alone has no guarantee of making you appear professional. For a long time, the concept of punctuality has been misunderstood, let me simplify. Punctuality is not about been on time. It is about respecting your own commitment. Once you start respecting your commitment your time becomes valuable to you hence you would start to engage your self with things only worth your time and this dear friend is the foundation of focus, which is the single most important ingredient to any successful career in any field.
Maintain Your Poise
A professional must maintain his/her poise even when facing a difficult situation. For example, if a colleague or client treats you in a belligerent manner, you should not resort to the same type of behavior.
Have Good Communication Etiquette
Your communication etiquette is an important component of professional behavior. This means identifying yourself properly by your full name, company, and title when you place a call. Be sure not to dominate the conversation and listen intently to the other party. Return calls in a timely manner and follow-up on any actions you agree to during a conversation.
Strike the Right Tone
During written correspondence, keep your letters brief and to the point. Your tone should be polite and formal without being “stuffy.” This also applies to any form of digital correspondence. eg(email, social media) and any platform you use to communicate
Be Structured and Organized
A professional can quickly and easily find what is needed. Your work area should be neat and organized, and your briefcase should contain only what is needed for your appointment or presentation. Few things say “unprofessional” as quickly as a hopelessly cluttered, messy work area.
quick tip! keep it clean like this

Own Up to Mistakes
Professionals are accountable for their actions at all times. If you make a mistake, own up to it and try to fix it if possible. Don’t try to place the blame on a colleague. If your company made the mistake, take responsibility and work to resolve the issue. Simple and short, don't cut corners.
Be an Expert in Your Field
Professionals strive to become experts in their field, which sets them apart from the rest of the pack. This can mean continuing your education by taking courses, attending seminars and attaining any related professional designations. A broad set of skills, from mastering software to clearing jams from the copying machine, adds to the sense that you’re an indispensable member of the team.
I know adhering to this isn't exactly a walk in the park, some days it can be really frustrating, but having a complete picture of the benefits you stand to gain from this is enough to keep you pushing. Cheers ! to the new professional in you.