A comment above is right: what works for a 20yo college grad won't work for you. If I were you, I'd find my passion, an idea that I believe in, then find OSS projects on github that are aligned with my passion and start contributing. Slowly you'll build a reputation in that circle and friends who would vouch for you when you try to get a job. Because the today's reality is that unless someone you know invites you, you won't get a chance.