I have one company set as my dream studio to work at.

I'm young: 19 years old. I have skills in programming, 3D-modeling, and animation, I'm definitely a generalist; i.e., not a master of any of them, but know all of them pretty well.

I really wanna work at this company, but I won't apply just yet. I know that I need to improve my skills and portfolio more. I have done lots of personal projects, but I don't have professional work experience yet.

Sometimes in movies, you see the young and passionate person get a job because they are young and passionate. So I have that slight idea in my mind that my age and enthusiasm will compensate for my actual skills.

Should I ignore that idea completely and focus 100% on just building concrete skills the company will find useful? I'm planning on being ready (skill-wise) to apply within the next 12 months.

silenceDogood said:

Can you rely on getting a job at a studio because you are young and passionate? (but also have skills)

No, you can't rely on it. Especially without a 4-year degree, and especially since there's a lot of talented competition for the job you want.

silenceDogood said:
Sometimes in movies, you see the young and passionate person get a job because they are young and passionate. So I have that slight idea in my mind that my age and enthusiasm will compensate for my actual skills.

Life is not like the movies. Your actual skills matter much more than your enthusiasm and passion. Enthusiasm is expected and normal; mad skillz and talent are not. Don't skip the skill-building, and consider getting a degree to prove you can withstand and push yourself through a prolonged brutal effort.

silenceDogood said:
I'm definitely a generalist; i.e., not a master of any of them, but know all of them pretty well.

If this is a AAA studio, not an indie, I'd recommend you focus on one core skill, and shine at that.

silenceDogood said:
Should I ignore that idea completely and focus 100% on just building concrete skills the company will find useful?

YES

passion can lead to wonderful places, but you need a good foundation in hard and soft skills, without those skills, it will take you time to learn what's needed, and if they got another applicant Who can hit the ground running than your out of luck.

You don't exist in a vacuum and you are not the main character. Lots of people typically apply for jobs.

Always apply if you think you are qualified, but stay realistic. There is a typical pattern, sometimes companies break the pattern but this is normal for interview order: First they call candidates with industry experience and a degree. Then they call people with industry experience and no degree. Then people with a degree but no industry experience. Finally they call people who show hobby experience and enthusiasm but neither degree nor industry experience.

If you don't have a degree you can still get a job, but you must know you typically won't be in the first round of interviews, and you will be in a weaker position for salary negotiations. Over time with enough years of experience that will diminish, but is unlikely to ever fully vanish.

If possible get a degree, even if it is somewhere related and not a perfect fit. If not possible to get a degree the job is still an option even though you are farther down the callback list.