Well,

I'm no level designer, but I've worked with a few.

It's much like any kind of Artist breaking in.

Where is your portfolio?

What uni did you go to?

Or

Are you self tought?

Depending on what is your chosen industry standard program. you should know it like the back of your hand.

Make connections everywhere and volunteer your time on projects you like.

Level Design specifically is FAQ 69.

Hmm

Asking it this way also implies you are ready to break in?

Braking in is a different journey for everyone and there are soft breaks hard breaks and braking in under different conditions. I'll assume you mean breaking in as a full time career? if so, than that is a long road indeed. But get to know people. Attend conferences be the best you can be, and never stiff anyone no matter who they are or how little they may be able to help you at the time.

I'm reminded of a hilarious story, so back when I was at UC Irvine, there was a game dev panel, at a career center, and this mexican guy stood up and was all bravado and was like I'm going to be a big shot animator. So during the networking, he asked a panelist how to break in, and was giving him a business card, I ran a project, and needed an animator and asked for his card. He said in a condescending tone “these cards are for the panelists”

So the panelist literally gave him the advise that he should find a hobby team and volunteer to show off his skills to get noticed. It was fucking hilarious, so I was like shit, looks like I don't want this guy on my team. And I know I dodged a bullet there.

There are many lessons from that story, but prime among them is you never know who is who and who can one day open that door for you. So never be that guy, be humble and continue. If you do it the right way, you will impress the right people some day.

And once you make it to the level of success your fated to have, make sure you give back, and help the next wave. So it's not as hard. They will thank you and appreciate it, and who knows, they may be your biggest players advocates and supporters.

Never compromise your ethics or who you are in the pursuit of your dreams. If you ever do, your dream and creations will be tainted.

Tim_Barrett24 said:
finishing my degree

Is this a bachelors or a masters?

If it's a bacholors, After your done, try and finish that game your in and see how it goes. Then see how the reception is.

Buy a physical portfolio book and load it up with all your best work, telling a story of your journey. If you can show that to employers that puts your work in concrete terms. I did that, and it literally landed me a job at Gilead Sciences.

Document your entire journey, and keep all your work, so you can hall it out at any time to show anyone.

People outside of games have no idea how games are made, being able to educate them does a service for not only you, but for the industry an the world at large.

If it's a mastrs, then start applying for AAA companies.