ABSTRACT
This chapter reports the key factors that shape and develop professional identities in higher education institutions. By reporting the key factors such as education, work experiences, personal and societal beliefs and values, professional networking, and economic conditions, and the use of our self-reflections, we hope to emphasize the significance of transformative learning and the role of mentors in developing individuals’ skills and competencies to gain a deeper understanding of their professionalism and overcome obstacles. We also hope that such self-reflections are useful for new academics who might need to learn how to shape and strengthen their professional identities in higher education.
