Socialization is a process by which individuals acquire the values, norms, knowledge,
and skills needed to perform their roles acceptably in the group or groups in which they are, or seek to be, members. In short, it is the process by which an individual achieves his identity within the group. The end product of socialization is the incorporation of group values and norms into the individual’s self-image. By extension, professional socialization is socialization to a particular role in society, the role of the professional. It is the acquisition of the specialized knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, norms and interests of the profession that the individual wishes to practice. The end product of successful professional socialization is professional identity (p.6).