If you live in Norfolk VA, seems to me you are going to do something related to shipbuilding. If there are companies in your area that do different things than shipbuilding, see what they need. But I am going to venture the training you are getting as a student is slanted toward heavy steel fabrication. A similar issue would be living in Houston TX and not wanting to work in the energy industry. Yes there are companies that do things in Houston that do things outside the energy business, but you have to look for them.
And there is always the option of working for yourself. There are always gates and fences to be built, boats needing repaired, stuff fabricated. You can hit a Tractor Supply or Northern Tools and pick up a gasoline welder for $3K, get a cutting torch, some bottles, hand tools in a tool box and you are in business.
You might be surprised how many people are willing to pay someone to stick things together for them.
Just an idea. Think other than who can I weld for and more what can I weld to make money.