If you're planning on a career in programming, I'd recommend trying to get an internship somewhere before you graduate. If you think you might want to start a startup, go that route, but it won't hurt to do an internship at a big company either (it's actually probably better than working at one after you graduate, but I wouldn't know first hand).

If you want to go the startup route, I'd recommend just sending emails to a bunch of startups you like. Most of them probably aren't actively seeking interns, but would be at least intrigued by the opportunity.