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It comes down to the definition of a profession!.
Generally a profession is a pursuit or vocation that calls for:
1!. A college degree
2!. An advanced degree in the subject from a graduate school!.
3!. Apprenticeship, interneship or the like for a certain period of time
4!. The passing of an examination given by a quasi-government agency like the Bar, the Medical Profession, the engineering profession, etc!.
5!. The taking of an oath where you commit yourself to observing the rules of the profession and of the state where you practrice
6!. Certification by that quasi-government agency (See $4)
7!. Contuining Education Units!. You have to keep studying for the rest of your professional career to keep up with latest in the profession
8!. Your profession publishes a learned journal, to which you may or may not contribute!. It is peer-reviewed, meaning all submissions are reviwed by the alpha dogs in your profession
9!. You get fancy initials after your name
10!. You get a certain position in your community -- respect, high fees, a title like doctor or counselor or reverend or general
11!. Subject to the approval or blacklisting by the profession -- can be disbarred or unfrocked!.
The original three professions: law, medicine and the clergy!.!.!.still operate under most of the above, with exceptions!. Newer professions, like teaching, dentistry, engineering, follow the same pattern!. Crafts, no matter how complex, do not follow this patern; hence an electrician, who has to study the subject and take tests and be an apprentice, and is licensed by the state, is not a professional, no matter how much he knows, while an electrical engineer is a professional!.
The terms profession and professional have been loosely applied to a wide range of occupations, even though, strictly speaking they aren't professions!. Acting is considered a profession because it requires study and dedication, even though it may not be graduate study (today, it often is), licensing (any fool can try out in a casting call) or fancy letters after your name!. The military is considered a profession, even though not all the criteria above may be met!. An enlisted man is not a professional !. A Sergeant Major or other high-ranking noncom may be considered a professional!. A Warrant Officer, though not a commissioned officer, is often thought of a professional!. In all, a military professional is a graduate of a service academy, an officer, in for the long haul!.
The term "acting professionally" is applied to just about any field of endeavor!. An advertising copywriter who hands in a slipshod piece of copy is deemed as "not acting professionally!." A news anchorperson who is drunk on camera, ditto!.
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