Quote Originally Posted by Pokemon Trainer Sarah View Post
I agree that universities should definitely help people get real work experience. I have a 2nd year student who has been working with me, volunteering in the lab over the holidays. At least she knows what it's actually like now. I had no idea when I was an undergrad and if I had known what job prospects were like for scientists right now, I would probably be a software engineer instead. xD It's ridiculous that everyone wants experience for even basic jobs. I guess they are just lazy and think it'll be cheaper not to have to train people at all. Sigh.
A lot of degree programs here and at other colleges require you to do an internship/coop in order to graduate. My department last reported something like 88% job placement upon graduating with 10% going to grad school. Just gotta know how to network, that's what it comes down to.