-Soc
I drank what?

you're part of the unwashed masses that enjoyed napster and messenger so much that they chose CS...

look into temp agencies, there are some that specialize in IT work, but even they want experience

2) Get a job. Start applying out west until you get someone who'll give you a job. Places are less likely to want to interview people from further away, but college grads are a bit of an exception. Especially since you're coming from college the job might pay to relocate you. Note; they won't pay ahead, they'll reimburse you. Remember, it might be as much as 4 weeks from when they sign you before you see a cent.

I did number 2. This was just before the dot bomb crash, so while I found a place who was willing to reimburse my plane fair (they hired me on friday to start on monday, with phone interviews only... they were desperate for a sysadmin), and I even got them to agree to reimburse me within a week. I had 1500, and I was lucky enough to know someone in the area who let me crash at his place. However, $300 for the plane ticket; money to rent a car (which later was reimbursed); gas driving 60 miles round trip; $800 first months rent $500 security deposit. I'm lucky I had room on my credit card when I made this jump; or I'd have been short being able to get the money together to get the place I did.

You could try head-hunters in the area, if you've got a reasonable skill set. Or you could try the old interpersonal network[1]. Ask around and see if anyone knows anyone where you're trying to go in the business. Then try to get an introduction.

Getting into a big company and then asking for a transfer, might that work? I've never really worked for a big place.

Actually, re-reading your post, I'd say find something locally, hunker down and save every penny for 6 months, working every day till you drop (to tired to spend then), quit, hit the road, and then see how long you can make your saved money last.

-- claes