I obtained my B.S. in biology last year and have been applying to many different types of jobs in the field, and I prefer a having a lab technician or something similar. Unfortunately I haven't had any luck with getting work, not even being offered an interview. I know the job market is pretty rough right now, and it doesn't help that my only lab "experience" aside from academic work is an undergraduate lab assistant position I had for about a year.
I think I want to specialize in molecular biology or microbiology, I enjoyed those classes the most during my undergrad. I don't exactly want to go back to school and get a masters, but I am struggling with keeping up with student loans and I'm so tired of working in retail.
What could I do to make myself more competitive? I'm unsure if there is a way I could volunteer in labs but I also haven't been having luck finding internship opportunities in my area, I'm not sure if I'm even looking in the right places. I know networking is also super helpful but I do not have much connections (I made the mistake of not doing this much in college). Any advice on building experience for my resume and networking tips would be appreciated!