Hello, my name is Shannon and I also study the Academy of Art and aspire to work for Pixar. I went to a seminar today at S.F. State with Michael Lipman(currently a freelancer), Todd (I don't know his last name), of Tippett Studios, and Dylan Brown, Supervisor of Animation at Pixar. They both gave us valuable tips on this topic which include: do not worry about software, worry about drawing skills and fundametal theory, they can teach you software. Work your butt off to improve your drawing and animating skills. On your demo reel, include work that shows who you are and know what position you are appying for. Meaning that if you want to animate, show them animation; it is not necessary to have a soundtrack and bells and whistles to improve your reel. Also, it is a lot of luck, in that timing plays a huge issue. You may have an awesome reel, its just that they are not looking for someone in that position. There was a bunch more but this is a start, the lecture itself was awesome, very informative and knowledgable. Thanks again to Lippy, Todd, and Dylan if you happen to read this. Dylan, I'm the modeler who's dreams you shattered, kidding.

Someone actually asked about the guy on the radio who stalked Pixar, he did not get a job.

Hope this helps.