Bearcat...all excellent replies and advice...just be aware of one thing...watch what you wish for...
I cannot begin to count the number of "wannabe's" who say "I'll do anything to fly", and then when offered a job (entry level or not) that is not to their liking after a week or two, take off to find "something better"...
My advice is if you say to a network contact that you "will do anything" that you should be prepared to carry through, or you may well find your carefully laid network null and void...as well as your reputation...
However, you seem to want to take the neccessary steps, so good luck to you...
Perseverance usually will make the difference...