I was one of the "lucky ones" I got hired before I finished my masters degree and now have two film credits to my name (AVP and Thunderbirds).

Stick at it and use the contacts you can make. I wouldnt say you need to specialise completley (especially not for entry level jobs) but if you know what you want to do then show it as best you can. Dont try to do everything on your reel. Show one great piece and then leave off all the crap you made to get there dont use filler (I've been present when reels get watched here and it made me cringe!)

As for wage, dont expect anything above 20k for an entry level job. If you get over that consider it a bonus. Sorry but that's just the way it is! It's such a competitive industry that there is always someone younger and better and cheaper willing to take your job.

Alan