If you enroll in a study on a F-1, you can only do 'On-Campus' work, and are not allowed do study anything else than the study for which you hold your visa. Every time there are people thinking they found an easier way, but trust me there are no shortcuts. Don't underestimate the risks. I know somebody who got caught, he was arrested, thrown in jail for a few days and then put on a plane, without being able to get his personal belongings or anything. Just deported and don't come back the first 10 years.
Bottomline is: you need a J-1 to be able to build up enough experience.