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Thanks for the advice and feedback everyone.

Belassi, yes by contractor I mean that I work for an agency that pays me to work at the company.  I have met contractors that were payed more like you described, but these were older people with many years of experience and were eventually let go from the company. The agencies today are paying newer grads like myself smaller hourly wages.  I have looked into the typical salary of a permanent employee at the company I work for and my pay for 1 year is significantly lower and doesn’t come close to even what an entry level employee makes.  Also, I didn’t mention that I mainly apply to jobs in New Jersey and New York where the cost of living is higher, thus the pay for an entry level employee is typically higher.  
 
Bob,  I haven’t yet signed up as an SCC member, but plan to for this coming year.  I’ve spoken to recruiters through the years, but mainly only for contract opportunities.  Do you have any contacts you can share?

Mark, yes, the jobs I have been applying to are closely related to my experience. I like the idea of bringing my own formulations into the interview and will definitely try this out.

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@bobzchemist- Ok the business part makes more sense now. I thought the courses would be useful only for those who have their own businesses, but I can see now that they would be useful.  Most of the lab tech jobs I have been applying to and interviewing for have some formulation involved in addition to the cleaning glassware.

@DavidW- The cost of both of the programs is one of my main concerns. I have been looking into diy formulating so I think I’ll try getting starting with that.

Thanks for all the advice and info everyone. I think I will look more into diy formulating and private label companies. 

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Thanks for replying Perry!  I was focusing more on finding a job first, but I haven’t been able to find many internships,lab tech, or entry-level positions in formulating.  So now I’m considering entering a master’s program first to help me gain more knowledge and I’ll continue looking for a job and experimenting on my own.