Graduating Next Sem, New Career Path? Need !

[Johnsmith1003]

Keep in mind I do animation and visual effects work. I apologize whole-heartedly if this sounds foreign to you. I just need advice on how start the process of professional work.

 

 

Any and all input appreciated. I'm just completely confused in the matter. So I'm graduating next Spring to receive my Bachelors (I'm currently finishing my first half of senior year right now). I've done online courses since early 2010 because I couldn't attend the actual school on campus, which is four hours away from me. Anyway, I just do not know where to make the next move! My goal is to have a professional job by October or November next year at the latest but I'm not sure where to turn. I know rotoscoping are entry level jobs and wouldn't mind pursuing that, but not sure if that is worth pursuing at all if I can score a better pay job like a texturer or lighter right off the bat. I've talked to the Careers center at school but they just give me the run around. I know I should make a portfolio but how DOES one really tackle the professional work environment? I'm so use to the resume/application 9-5 retail jobs that I'm not engaged in the matter. Nervous I may not get some good work by the end of next year. Anyone have any tips to go about entering my professional field? I was flirting with the idea of internships to get me experience in the field, but most if not all of them I see only apply to students in their sophomore or junior year (if they are surely going back to that chosen school after the internship, which I am not.)