This past Saturday, DeVry University here in the DC area had a conference for Breaking into the industry.  It was pretty good.  There wasn't a lot of people there but made the experience very intimate. 

The first session I went to was with Ernest Adams (http://www.designersnotebook.com/), a former member of EA responsible for several games construction - including Madden NFL.  Here he gave us a lecture on a little bit about himself and what he does, what to and not do in the industry, what there is to expect, etc.   The hands-on, group workshop was essentially the entire process of a 3 month project condensed into 3 hours.  You learned the planning stages, team development, how to put the game together, game mechanics, story writing, and marketing.

Next up was Mr. Christopher Clark (http://www.delta3d.org/), lead game designer and producer.  Most of his works comprise of military type training / learning games.  Very inspirational individual.  His lecture comprised of the interview with a game company.  4 things you should know for the interview:

1. Find out what the job is to the company rather than what it is to yourself

2. Prepare for the interview - know everything about the company, about the position, and sharpen your skills

3. Demonstrate your abilities - 9 times out of 10 there going to ask for a demo on the spot ... again be prepared

4. Prepare to defend - they will try to trip you up, and disagree with you to see how much you really believe in yourself and your craft

Above all else, "know what you know".  Sharpen your skills and study constantly if you really want the job, and if you don't there will always be somebody out there hungrier than you and will take everything away. Like I said, good stuff. Both are VERY down to earth people and are always looking to help wherever they can.   I'll be keeping in contact with them, hopefully things will turnout for the best and I can be where they are.