This is why I feel co-op should be mandatory for all CS degrees. I look at some of the people in my program who struggle with even basic programs and algorithms, and I can't help but think they're deluding themselves. A summer spent doing QA, then another as a junior developer, then two more doing real programming work would either disavow them of the notion that they should be a programmer, or give them the skills to at least get a job when they graduate.

I think it's shameful that colleges are perfectly happy to take 4 years of tuition and tell you that your shiny BS in CS will get you a great job when you graduate. A few profs will drill it into your head that co-op is mandatory, but that's only if you get the good ones.