Get a degree in film studies. Become involved in as many editing projects as possible and develop a reel. The more you get your instructors' attention, the better references you will have after you complete your studies. Edit as many student films as possible.
Move to a city with a lot of film production. These include Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver, British Columbia. Apply for jobs at studios by writing a resume that includes your training and experience. Also give studio executives a demo reel of work you edited in school.
Accept jobs doing anything. It is possible to move up from a position as a secretary, according to Janell Ashley Nielson, editor at Prometheus Entertainment. Any type of work in a studio is a perfect way to meet contacts. Let people know you are eager to be an editor and to learn as much as possible about editing.
Find out about all the editors and their assistants at the studio and what is being filmed. Ask the editors and assistants if you can watch them work. Eventually, you may be asked to work on a small-budget film. This often doesn't pay much so you could be working long hours at your day job and long hours in the editing room.
Apply for apprentice positions. Now that you have the experience in the editing room, you will be more likely to get on a feature film. You can then move on to being hired as second assistant editor, then first assistant editor and then finally editor.