In Milwaukee, one of the best places to get in the same room as the guys you want to be hired by is by going to MCA-I meetings. They usually have a great turnout, never enough students or newcomers, and plenty of higher-end people and experienced production people who are always looking for someone to help out. Madison is close by and usually has a great turnout as well. I don't know where I'd be today if I hadn't jumped on board there while I was still a student.
http://www.mcai-milwaukee.com/ for more details.
