It is not necessary to be a professional photographer in order to participate in different photo contests. You can easily become a participant of some competitions of this kind and use them as an opportunity to reveal your talent to the world and enter a new stage of the development of your photo skills. Here are some contests you can take part in for a start.
“Photography in the Park” contest organized by Canon requires from you to take a shot of any US park or monument. The image should no be Photoshopped or present the images of people. You can post up to ten photos and then the judges will select the best of them for public voting. The first prize is Canon equipment which costs thousands of dollars. You have an opportunity to share your works till the 30th of September.