I would rather recommend working as a Flight Dispatcher; when working as Cabin Crew, you can only make contacts and do networking within your own airline. As a Dispatcher (for a handling agent I mean such as Aviance, Servisair/Globe Ground, Swissport, Coventry Airport Handling etc.), you would be in a position to network with all the airlines you work for - at least that's what I do (and sometimes I remember I have to dispatch them too!).
I did the Cabin Crew thing, both before and after flight training, and it didn't really help. The last time, with a major UK charter airline, even networking from the inside didn't make it any easier; they wouldn't change their requirements (1,500 hrs, jet type rating, etc.)!
Of course, as Cabin Crew, you have the advantage of working with nice hosties...
