likestoask

I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2010 with a BSEE and a 2.92 GPA (with two classes retaken--stricken from my GPA but noted on my transcript). I have an upward trend on my GPA (if it makes any difference), with a 3.75 average for my senior year, and a 3.33 average for junior and senior years combined. I have no prospects for recommendations because I never established a relationship with any of my professors. My current employer wants me to stay with them forever, and they will not give me a recommendation unless I decide to come back to work for them (which I would not do). I have been working in engineering consulting (which has little or nothing to do with actual engineering) for the past year. I got into it without knowing what it was, and now I regret it. I have no interest in being a manager, which is where a job like mine ultimately leads. Hence, I am looking for a job in embedded software currently. My undergrad concentration in Electrical Engineering was telecommunications (primarily the TCP/IP and software side). I have not taken the GRE, but that is the least of my concerns. People have suggested taking non-degree grad classes or looking for volunteer research opportunities. I'd have to quit my job to do these things, but I still have student loans/car payments/insurance payments. My dream is to work in product development, in either consumer electronics or telecom. I'd really like to get into a PhD program down the road too (if that ever became possible). So, first thing's first. How do I get into an MSEE program? Also, any idea of potential schools when the time comes, or should I just apply and cross my fingers.