Do Some Free Work
Whether you're planning on joining a firm or doing freelance work, you'll need a portfolio to impress potential clients. To build that portfolio, you'll likely need to do some work for little or no pay simply so that you can build a track record of success. While it may be frustrating to put in so much work with little to show for it, just think of it as an extensive and hands-on training course.
Get Some Professional Training
Most web designers start with a basic skill set that they develop throughout their careers. If you can work to develop that skill set before you begin your career, you'll be that much further ahead of others in your field. By taking online web design courses, you can figure out what you're good at, what you want to pursue, and make connections that can ultimately lead to a job offer.
Focus your Efforts
Web design, as a whole, constitutes many different fields. As talented as you may be, it is impossible to be an expert in every one of these fields. To prevent burnout and frustration, then, it's important to focus your efforts as you begin your career so that you can hone your skills in one or two particular areas so that you can command premium prices for people needing services in these areas...