This paper deals with the number of important issues: how to become a professional, able to carry out ones functions competently, and seek for autonomy; what conditions the professionalism; how to improve professionalism in practice and everything. An overview of a professional, the conceptions of the concept of professionalism, the essence of the development of professionalism in practice are examined, the interrelationship between the learning from experience, practice and professional development is reasoned. Key empirical research fi ndings are presented: the approaches of teachers / andragogues who upgrade qualifi cations at Klaipėda University Institute of Continuing Studies, Lithuania, to professional development in practice on the aspect of learning from experience.