Play the numbers game. You definitely have software development experience so apply 'as total stranger' to as many places as you can through their jobs section. With the giants (Google, FB, Amzn, etc) it may be harder to hear back from this way, but mid-sized and smaller companies are more likely to respond to you. While applying for internships and new grad positions, overall I applied to more places 'as total stranger' as opposed to via referrals from friends and received responses.