Starting a career as a professional computer animator is something of a hurdle. Aspiring animators are judged by their past work and attitude. Studios might be willing to accept some shortcomings, but in general, they hire only artists who can begin producing on the first day. Some comments on the subject:
"Get apprentice work any way you can. Student and personal work is looked on very differently from production work that included an actual client and deadline. Work for free at first, if necessary, and find clients from any market that would benefit from animation."
"Study the trades (trade magazines such as Computer Graphics World and Cinefex) until you understand the business well enough to just skim them for relevant detail instead of having to read everything line by line to understand it."
"Once you've entered into the industry, help others the same way you were helped. It's a small industry and good talent moves quickly."
"See and be seen, show up at any industry events you are able to get yourself into, and introduce yourself casually."
"Admit your skill boundaries when you begin professionally. There's a tendency in new animators to overextend themselves and promise too much, too soon."
"Don't miss deadlines. Don't commit to deadlines you are likely to miss."