Yeah, I have some advice.  Stay away from Kansas City, there is sh*t for jobs here!!! 
I'm sure there is something somewhere in Texas.

Good luck, bro.

Wes,
call 210-633-0134. This is a Coal Burner being built in San Antonio TX. They will be looking for struct. welders Jan 20th 2009. Tell them your a struct. welder. Don't tell them you just came out of school, unless they ask. You will have to pass a ASME 3 position 1/2 inch plate test E7018 with backup strip and FCAW with 7100 Ultra 035 wire ASME 3 postion plate test with back-up strip to get on the job. They will bend straps if you get that far. They have a 60% breakout. They are working 50+ GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!!

Jim

Wes, As the others have already stated you need to start at the bottom and work your way up, school after all trains you safety and the gives you the ability to weld a cuopon in a controled enviroment, Field work is a whole new game when you're standing on your head laying in the ditch.

Wes,

If you are going to 'start at the bottom', I would offer a couple of suggestions from the perspective of an employer.

If you start as a welders helper: Learn all you can, ask questions, and most of all- DON'T keep asking when you can weld.  You offered to start at the bottom, show me what you can do at the bottom.  And you will more than likely learn somethings along the way besides earning the respect of the journeymen and management.

I, personally, want someone who will give me his best in the position he hired into.  When this is proven, and when there is an opening, I would advance such a person to the next level.  I know that good people want to advance and everyone wants more money.  Show me you are worth it.  I don't want people who are happy at the bottom, but I don't want people who try so hard to get off the bottom that they are no good to me while they are there.

Having been to school you have the potential to advance faster than others with experience added to your resume and a proper attitude.  There are places that can use you as a welder with your limited experience, but working your way up has many advantages.  Others here have already given you very good advice and pointers.  Know too, that this is a very difficult time in our economy.  The more you can learn, the more valuable you will be.  It will also help you keep working when others can't find work.  Those of us who came through the late 70's and early 80's learned this very clearly.  Unemployment was around 9-10% nationwide back then.  Any job that kept food on the table was a job worth having.

Also, don't jump ship on employers too quickly just to gain 25-50 cents an hour.  There may even come an opportunity that requires you too take a temporary cut in pay.  Look at many aspects of the employee/employer relationship and know that none of us is perfect, on either side of that relationship.

The two posts following bring up another great point, attendance and punctuality.  Tardiness and absenteeism won't get employees far with me and I don't believe with many others.  Some may not fire you for it (I will) but you won't get far without being dependable.  And to this 'old timer' on time means at work, in your coveralls or work clothes, tool box open, ready to actually work at starting time.  Yes, I am a bit of a hard case.  I believe in 8 hours WORK for 8 hours pay. It's not get ready for work time and get cleaned up time on my dime.  You can ask any that have worked for me, I am not a slave driver.  You don't have to be while still expecting fairness from employees as they expect fairness from their employer.

Good luck, Have a Great Day, Brent