[raross]

I agree and you get references by working hard in college and being noticed. Once you are noticed by your professors, they will ask you to help them or work for the department on projects or maybe even research (if you're lucky and smart enough ). That is why I would suggest you to go the full 4 years at college (take out a loan if you have to). A big part of how people get jobs is the job offers go straight to the colleges in the area and not on these stupid monster.com crap. Usually the employers will call up and ask if you have a person like etc, and they will give the job offer to a student they think earned it or you will have jobs offers that are just that, and you will have to hurry your *** up to get an interview. Most schools will take care of the kids they know can produce work. Most schools also have a local company that they are affilated with, which hires say 5 kids from your uni every year. You will have all kinds of offers if you stay on top of things.