Let's talk jobs (Score 3, Interesting)

What would you suggest to a C/C++ programmer who's insterested in the SFX industry? I assume you need to know OpenGL, linear algebra, Unix, maybe Renderman. What else is suggested -- demo programs, networking at SIGGRAPH, database work?

Also, what's the state of the SFX industry? I know it went through a shakeout a few years ago.

thanks.