What setting do you want to work in and where?
Different Demographics have a greater networking population for the "Brand" you choose to support and work for.
I think the NSCA CPT is a good starting place and if you are a member and your school can send you to a conference then thats groundbreaking just starting out. Look them all up, check out places you want to work, and start with random people at school. They dont need to be friends as they can just stress you but gaining your confidense there, shadowing at a local gym that can show you a variety of techniques, and being able to apply them will help you in the long run.
You really just need to decide when you are actually serious enough to just take that step and apply the time. If you take the time to soak in the info, and find ways to apply it and make it your own, then the sky is the limit. Hell I dont know of anyone who hasnt gotten hired with an ACE
The cert says you took the time to study and understand the material, your offering to work means you want to build the experience. Why the hell is this so long lls