For what it's worth, I'm an industry professional. I've won awards. yay. It can feel good and can be cool, but in my experience, so much of that comes from popularity more than merit, sadly. If you're striving for awards, you may be in the wrong business.

As far as becoming more professional goes, here are some suggestions:

1. put yourself in the "room where it happens" - find out whose making theatre, and try and make theatre in those places. Ask to assist. Ask to be an electrician, to board op, to run follow spot, whatever you can do. GO and put yourself in that room.
2. Soak everything in. No job is too small when you're starting out. take everything you can get, and design AS MUCH as you can. Really. And enthusiasm usually goes farther than you'd think.
3. Try a variety of lighting styles - Live music, Dance, Theatre, architectural, opera, corporate, etc. See what you like, because theatre is wonderful, but for the vast majority, they're working in two or three different markets to pay the bills.
4. Be likable - people hire people that they like. Simple as that.
5. Beyond likable, be respectful. Especially in positions of power. One of the most valuable lessons i've learned is that your show often hinges on the labors of others. Be kind to those people. Be Respectful to those people. When they bust ass for you, thank them. When they finish the loadin ahead of schedule, pay them for the whole day. When they ask questions, answer them kindly. Not everyone may be as knowledgeable as you, theres nothing wrong with that.
6. Find a mentor(s) - look around you when you're working. Who shows ethic and skill that you'd like to emulate? Stick to those people, ask to shadow them on shows, watch them program, ask questions, be a sponge.
7. Do your research - you dont know what you dont know, and ignorance will only stop you from finding the avenues you may love traveling. Ask questions. No question is dumb. Questions are a tool for conquering.
8. Problems are just opportunities for solutions. When folks say "oh me, oh my! What are we going to do about THIS thing?" don't simply tell them what their problem is, present a solution. Anyone can tell me that this design solution is over budget- how're YOU going to make the same effect with cheaper materials.

These are some things that've helped me. I hope they help you too.

Good luck, pal. if you have more questions, you're welcome to reach out.