[wisty]

Dude, you NEVER have to go through HR. Use Google, and track down a manager working on something interesting. Most interesting projects will have a web presence of some kind. Those that don't usually aren't interesting (or are buried deep in Google or Apple).

If you can't get the manager's contact details, then you call HR, and ask for their details.

If that doesn't work, find a company that might have some interesting projects. Contact their IT department (get the number of HR if you must), and ask about what projects you might be able to join. Note, many interesting projects are not in IT, but in other departments; but IT will have some idea where those projects are. If you are good at number crunching, tell them that. You can try other tricks, like if the manager says they are too busy, you can ask if they have someone else who can take the call. You can also find out if the company has a programmer's mailing list - maybe IT could help you there?

You will get rejections, but it's better to get 20 rejections and an offer in a week than no rejections and no offers.