Second the interning for an agency part. I did research work for one and learned so much in terms of business development just by understanding their work flow,

Second the interning for an agency part. I did research work for one and learned so much in terms of business development just by understanding their work flow, how they pitch to businesses and how they find new clients. As an aside, see if local agencies around your area are hiring freelancers. Mine did and though they didn't get any benefits, pay was regular and substantial (our freelancers probably came in about three or four days a week depending on the project load).