Attend technical talks by some of the companies you're thinking of working for. While you're there, chat with some of their employees and continue the conversation over email/linkedin. Ask them what it's really like, workflow processes, and anything else they're willing to tell u.
That's how I landed my current gig. Product designer at one of Silicon Valley's hottest startups. True story :)
Try cold emailing people. Really, it helps. Find a list of people doing like-minded things and just shoot off a bunch of emails. You can ask them a question, or comment on something they did or wrote. Some won't reply, but most do.
That's how I landed my current gig. Product designer at one of Silicon Valley's hottest startups. True story :)