Hello, guys ...

As dannyngan already noted, there might be some money on the teaching sector, and it can be a really rewarding experience. Of all the things talked about here in this thread, this is the only one I found worthy enough*. Do not think in terms as "how can I get into Xcompany?" ... think in terms of "How could Xcompany benefit from my talent?" ... and have you ever thought of "Do I actually need to be on Xcompany?"

Let me recap a second here, I´m studying at the moment Graphics Design Enterprises Management, so the day when I finally graduate -which will happen in a year or so- I´ll become a Creative Director -somewhat-, I should be able to get the job done, have the know-how, and be able to pick the people best suited for the job.

As such, the whole point of my career is actually being able to survive by myself in such an environment. Here in Venezuela, advertising is one of the biggest chunks I´ve got at my disposal to give a try at. And the way things are done here, it might only take a good contact, maybe some lunch and we´re on our way. Which is why, my only single advise I can give in my narrowminded way to you guys, is simply ... do not stay in the technical aspect of Maya, or 3d in general.

Look on ways you can improve your work, stop making so much GI Joe´s, and try to give your work some meaning. Visit your local museum, look at a hell of a lot of pictures, review them, look at them again, look at ways you could emulate yourself those results. Play with lights, create compositions, try to make more art, than vertex pulling. Buy some art books, design books, and such. Review the three point lighting setup tutorial by Mike (I understand it´s free ¿?).

These are the things people -and indeed, prospective employers**- will look at.

*Nitroliq made an excellent remark also, about certain niches which could be explored
**As if we actually needed those ... (That´s my spirit anyway)