How does one obtain a job in the special effects industry??

Question:

How does one obtain a job in the special effects industry??

I have always wanted to know how one might land a job in the special effects industry doing makeup for horror films, sci/ fi or any other genre that would require the creating of wounds ( Braveheart, Cabin Fever) or creatures(The Thing, Alien) I have a few old school books on the subject, one of them about Lucas Arts ILM ( Industrial Light & Magic) teams work on Raiders, Poltergeist etc. I have some knowledge on the subject as its been a long time dream of mine. I don't know how you correctly master this art, am I supposed to beg one of the masters ( I would name, names, but I don't want to alienate anyone) to be an apprentice? None of the universities near me have any such programs. They have computer graphics programs, but that is not the field I want. Help me o' wise internet wizards with my quest.... I beg you. :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: These fields are very specialized. To get in you must know someone or have a degree where your professors will help you apply. I would recommend that if you want a job in that field you must find a school that offers it. (UCLA is one) Most of the schools will call it industrial movie effects <-- something to this affect. Be careful to not fall prey to an online course. Only take class at an art school or major university or you could lose your money. I have a friend that wanted a bad also. So he took a couple of classes and then stalked the people at universal for a job. This is a long process, he had to do crap work for about a year before they showed him anything. So just be prepared and have some photos of things you can do ready if you get a call. People are going to want to see what you have.