Z,
It looks as though you are already on the right path. A previous poster said 'never give up' - I agree, that is very good advice. I would also say 'knock on doors and go and see people'.
Also, always be prepared to do even menial jobs, keep making yourself useful, keep learning as much as possible all the time throughout your future career and seize opportunities whenever they arise, you never know where they might lead to.
I wish you the very best of luck!