Where to Begin as a Junior Programmer

I realized something. I am learning and aspiring to become a programmer in the gaming industry. I know I will have to start at the bottom and become a Junior Programmer. That's ok with me, the problem is I have NO idea what the requirements are for a Junior Programmer. I don't want to be a little past the "Hello World" stage and I have to start by knowing how to program the entire game of Mass Effect 3, in 40 different languages, in 60 seconds flat. On the other hand, I don't want to wait until I can program The Matrix single handedly before I start applying for jobs, and the requirements are much less. I have done a lot of research, which is ok. I would like to get some input or advice from someone who has or knows someone that is or has been a Junior Programmer. Any advice would help.