Happyface, all the outta state educated Neps I know who have the so-called office jobs today with their H1s and GCs started with doing whatever they could get until they got the interview they seeked for so long (their holy grail - office jobs).  Fortunately a few get recruited straight outta college (ahem) but for those who don't, getting an side-job is necessary unless you have mom and dad to finance your down and under days when you are looking for the grail.  FYI, its worked for all I know who did that and it will work for sgurung (no doubt in my mind about that).  However, to apply for the H1 later, he has to be working in his field of study though (unless he becomes a chef for an ethnic restaurant where his services are needed for the business' survival).