[ManicMechanic]

When I was a senior, an offer I had was withdrawn about 2 weeks before graduation. I quickly talked to some of my professors about possible work and got a job as a 1/2 technician, 1/2 time research assistant doing grad student-type work. It paid about 1/2 of what industry paid, but it was a fabulous lower-pressure learning experience; in a tight economy, I was better off than my unemployed classmates.

Being willing to work for less money opens up more options and makes easier to "earn your keep."

In the long run, connections come indirectly from pouring yourself into what you love to do and do well, and they can't be generated overnight when you suddenly need them. While there's nothing wrong with putting the word out when you're looking for a job and hoping that what you have to offer connects to the right need, nobody likes being used by a job seeker who hasn't demonstrated real ability and effort.