Anna,
I'm not a graphic designer, though I've worked with several of them and have done work that would in other circumstances have been done by a graphic designer.
You've heard some interesting stories and there are some very capable people here.
I would say that generally the world and career progressions that you have heard about have changed drastically. The graphic design "world" is split across several media areas - print, online, apps and animation.
Print newspapers and magazines used to be THE domain for advertisers but now online media is taking up a huge chunk of that business. In my mind a versatile graphic designer should understand something about motion graphics and user experience as well as static images. Understanding the problems of animation, app design compared to the generation of static imagery is going to be vital.
Most people here are from a very different generation to your own - me included - and the people you can get the best advice from are just a few years ahead of you.
I found my first job by ringing up a company and asking if I could visit them to see what they do - I explained I was a student. They were very welcoming, I liked what they did and they gave me a job offer before I graduated (subject to graduation).
Find out some design agencies near you. You can call them up, or just walk into reception. Tell them you're looking for some understanding of the work they do and what skills are important to them. It's easy.
At worst people will say no. At best people will show you around and even give you some things to do. Even if you don't get paid, if you do some work for a design agency before you graduate, you have your first reference lined up. You'll have some experience of a professional environment (LOL, I'm not even sure what that means in some companies I worked for). Be prepared to meet some interesting people. If you don't like the vibe, try another agency. I have loved most design agencies, but some can feel like sweatshops.
If you can, go to design exhibitions, conferences, etc. See what people are doing.
Don't be shy, be outgoing and understand nobody expects perfection from university students.
Good luck.
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