[anexprogrammer]

There's lots of routes in before you get experience, and also helps build your portfolio and references.

Make friends with some local charities - do a little work or make their new website (or whatever you do) for free, or cost. Ask them to publicise it on their site in return.

Similar for local small businesses who might buy your services. Talk to some, offer free or cost price in return for a little exposure.

Use spare time to build your portfolio, just because. Program a few small utilities or design a site for the dog and put them all on your portfolio site as you start to build it.