To go over what has already been said;
Speaking and Typing, even on the internet in full english, and not short hand, will be a great start. It doesn't show the best of impression, if that is the first thing anyone see's about you. At the end of the day, first impressions count for alot. People can forgive spelling/grammar mistakes (i'm dyslexic), but they don't like it when you think your doing short hand on purpose.
Game Design/Arists in general, there are alot of them out there, and too few jobs atleast in the UK, and as far as I understand the same goes for the US too. Unless you have plenty of experience behind you, or can fill other roles, many find they struggle. One option a few friends in that career choice have had some success with is going freelance.
In terms of expanding your portfolio, experience and knowledge;
For Starters, you'll need the basics of programming languages, so you'll want to learn atleast a key web language(s) like PHP (and XHTML standards), and core programming languages like C++. Get a grasp on those, and you'll be ok, for programming field.
Next up, you'll want to understand the business side of things, from money management to management of people, essentially teaching the basics of leadership skills.
Finally, Learn about every aspect that goes into making a game in the field you prefere and any near it, and understand what it takes, from the Investment Pitches, to Game Development, to the final Marketting and Deploy.
The Games industry, needs more High qualified and specialised Individuals who also are very universally knowledge in all area's, and thus would be perfect and comfortable with a management position. In short they have enough grunts, they are overflowing with those.
Avenues to pursue:
Plan A -
Get yourself in courses and modules to learn what area's you don't know.
Learn and read up on everything.
Do Work placement/experience. (Experience and connections are vital)
Try out Freelance work (Again Experience and connections)
Plan B -
Start up your company with a group of like minded friends, and go for it.
(this is difficult, and requires alot of luck)
www.infinitepixelstudios.com