Technical: Good knowledge of a typical web stack or mobile development or both
Non-tech: Not much, you have just to show that your are ambitious and somebody who gets things done (or finishs them)
With good technical knowledge you do not need connections. Just get familiar with a technology, you like build some nice private projects and apply/go to networking events.
Regarding tech: demand for iOS devs is always high, Anroid too and for the web stack I'd recommend either Python/Django or Node.js/Express which are both easy to learn
Non-tech: Not much, you have just to show that your are ambitious and somebody who gets things done (or finishs them)
With good technical knowledge you do not need connections. Just get familiar with a technology, you like build some nice private projects and apply/go to networking events.
Regarding tech: demand for iOS devs is always high, Anroid too and for the web stack I'd recommend either Python/Django or Node.js/Express which are both easy to learn
The earlier you start the better, so go for it!