How does one get a job as a LEGO designer? I always fantasized on the mysterious (and admittedly cool) job of LEGO designer. Is there anyone who knows what it takes?


Do you need to go to the Lego university and get good grades?
Is there any Job post in some secret place? 
Do you get a job by being on the LEGO fan club for long enough? 
Or do you need to participate in competition and get recognition for your own designs?
There's a nice interview with LEGO Designer Mark Stafford on The Brothers Brick:


  From LEGO fan to LEGO set designer - the Mark Stafford interview


The basic process was:

The position was advertised, and Mark's portfolio was sent in. He was then invited to a two day recruitment workshop along with a number of other candidates.

I've also read other interviews such as this one from The LEGOLAND Discovery Center asking about how Alex Bidolak became a LEGO Master Model Builder, and he came in through the competition route.