Therefore people become your primary research source. You'll be approaching these people for information. You won't be asking for a job . . . You're after hard facts right now. These facts will be invaluable to you when you pursue the employers you've targeted.
Nobody begins life with a full complement of professional associates.
There are several methods of building a network of people to help in your search. First, though obvious, contact the employers themselves. Calling the offices of a potential employer can produce many interesting results. Someone will talk with you. Even if you end up talking to someone in personnel, you will begin to find out valuable information.