Job searching is tough. Don't give up. It took me a while to get a job after graduating. I got more luck from searching job online rather than the job fair. Maybe you can try it. Taking temporary freelance job is good too for small cash.

It just my opinion. When they say your externship isn't experience, I think it just their tactic. Your job field is a tough one. Some interviewers use this tactic to see your reaction. If you down, they would think you're not suitable for the job. Be confident and tell them why the externship should be count as experience.