So remember, look for entry-level, junior level or even noc jobs.

Although I fully agree on most part of your post, I disagree with this line. If the OP stumbles upon a great job that's not "entry-level" he shouldn't aim for it and give it a shot?

The jobmarket is quite tough nowadays (yeah BUU, if only you finished highschool some 5 years ago, when a mere proclamation of "Ehh, I know how to spell Perl" was enough to get you a job). Jobs aren't offered in the mass quantities as they were some years ago. So I would suggest to aim for any job you like. The worst case scenario is they tell you "no, sorry, we found someone else". Of course, most applications for "senior" jobs specifically state the minimum year of job experience, but once in a blue moon, you may find a job that does not do that. And even if it does? Go for it :-) An e-mail is easilly written; attach resume and see where it'll lead.

I fully support the idea posted by vagnerr of having some Open Source project(s) as "proof". Get something on Sourceforge and Freshmeat to even gain some people using the scripts. This will -IMHO- definately make a good impression on the potential employer.

Another thing I tend to see lately is that the actual college degree isn't worth as much as it used to be. A lot of (Dutch) applications require (roughly translated) a "university level of thinking", rather than a "university degree". Of course, if you have the brain (probably yes) and money to go do collge, definately go for it (if only it was for the insane parties /me thinks back and puts on an awkward smile ;-). It will always be a plus, but certification seems to win some grounds. Stuff like ITIL, LPI, RHCE, CCNA (not necesarilly in that order ;). I took the ITIL certification at my first job, since they made that as a requirement (and payed for it). I found it really easy to get, but it's like magic on your resume. (At least in The Netherlands). Certifications are a cheap and fast way to boost your resume.