We also have an apprentice program you could apply for (basically an internship program) where younger kids work on full blown commercials and films while learning about the industry.  I don't think there's a page for it, but you could get info about the studio at www.reelfx.com - PM me if you want to know more about it.

The career of graphic design is crowded however it's always good to know people. Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. Sell yourself and your talents. Also I would recommend going for a BA straight away.

I would urge you to not only go for graphic design, but also marketing. Unless you plan on owning your own business, it's a very tough field to move up in if you just have a graphic design degree. Marketing opens up many more doors.

Get your BA or BFA first, but then if I were you, I'd consider a Masters as well.

One big key to design is organizational skills. This goes much further then just slapping some graphics on a home page or printed piece. You need to be organized in you file maintenance, how you set up your files, etc. This should also translate to how you organize projects you work with as well as the clients you cater to, and any market research you do.

You can be a great and artful designer, but if you've got a messy desktop and/or can't keep files, clients and other work related stuff organized and easy to find, then you will do yourself a great disservice as well as your employer and may find yourself out of work. So PLEASE keep that in mind.

One last thing, if you get involved in the print side of things, make sure you learn about PRE-PRESS. Whether you are in business for yourself or work for someone else, knowing how to correctly set-up files so that there is NO problem when sending them to a print shop is a great advantage. This will save either yourself or your employer time and money.  Check your learning institution to see if the offer any classes for pre-press. It's not often a college does, but if they do, be sure to take what they offer in that area (again should you decide to work in the print design industry).

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to PM me.

Don't worry Adam, I still view you as a 13 year old running around the forum unchecked causing problems.

If you aren't passionate about engineering, don't find it really interesting, or would rather be doing something like graphic design, DON'T be an engineering major.