[ISNIT]

I find the best way to build a portfolio is to attend local hackathons. They're great not only because you will build a whole project in 2 days, but you get to learn from professionals, make contacts, and possibly meet someone who's hiring. Also, meetups (meetup.com) are a great way to meet local people who might be hiring or know of companies that are.

[jellykid]

Thanks for the advice, I found quite a few hackathons a few hours away. I'll have to take some time off so I can get something substantial under my belt and meet some people.