Set yourself specific goals, if you can pin point exactly what kind of job you want to end up doing then you will know what you need to do to get there.

General 3D artist is very vague and open ended.

When it comes to choosing an App it does not matter at all, instead of leaning button pushing, try and understand how 3d Graphics works, and you will be able to pick up any 3d program you want.

Most of all remember that maya is just a tool, do not get stuck into learning technological stuff and let your artisitic side suffer, work in a way where you learn specific elements when you need to.

Keep the art at the center of the work.