Need some advice

[jch]

I just graduated from TESU a few weeks ago, and I fear I might end up in your position. TESU is great for mid-career professionals with strong connections and experience who need a degree to advance. The institution also seems good for others wanting to get fast and cheap alt-credit based degrees. However, TESU doesn't provide much help gaining connections and experience if you don't bring them to the table. Unlike some other universities, there aren't any significant internship or co-op programs, job fairs, or other referral pathways. The new career services person is great for figuring out resumes and LinkedIn, but that only goes so far. Thus, TESU students without a plan need to build their own career picture.
As a younger person just entering the professional workforce, I knew I'd have to do more than just get a degree. I successfully found and completed several internships and fellowships. However, they weren't directly relevant to what I'll likely do next as a career and they didn't lead to ongoing relationships. I didn't get the chance to take on more pertinent experience because the timing and situations didn't work out.
Now, I'm done with college but don't know what's next. Of course I'm attending job fairs, speaking with recruiters, applying to positions, etc. Nine months of that hasn't led anywhere useful. None of the opportunities I pursued went terribly far. Roles are closed, the company goes another direction, budget is cut, recruiter ghosts, went with someone else, etc. I'm also limited by my health; many jobs aren't suitable for me or want me to move away from my support system.
I have two paths forward I'm considering. First is moving on to graduate school, while strongly pursuing relevant internships. Stretching out my status as a student will let me continue to be eligible for intern roles and other similar opportunities. I can do that for free via the Thunderbird program. This time around, I'll focus on positions with pathways that resonate for me.
Next is pivoting to a more freelance/entrepreneurial/independent career strategy. Thanks to the internet, it's possible to carve out your own niche business online.