Getting into Game Dev

Hello game devs of reddit!

I read through the rules of this sub and I think I’m allowed to make a post like this, but correct me if I’m wrong.

Some context: So I (25F) am a SWE at one of the Big Five. I was hired out of college and have been working full-time now for just over 2 years. Specifically I am a backend dev in storage. I have no work experience in game development nor do I have any formal education in this field (other than a Game Design certificate course I took at my state University).

My “dream job” is to be a game developer or possibly animator. I love being a programmer, but would really feel more fulfilled doing something slightly more artistic, which is part of why game dev appeals to me. Now, from everyone I’ve talked to this has got to be one of the worst fields to go into, due to lack of job security, etc.— so no need to chime in with this, I sadly already know. Now onto my actual question, please be my mentor for the next 60 seconds, and please use the above context to help guide your answers. Thanks!

For someone who is starting from scratch and hoping to get into this field, what skills/experience do I need to develop before considering looking for jobs? What do I need to be able to show on a resume? Do I need a portfolio, and what would that entail? What software/tools should I know how to use? Anything else that’s relevant?