Comment Re:I consider that a pretty good analogy... (Score 1) 248
One challenge younger students have is that they have no idea what it's like to work as a professional. So they tend to be somewhat unfocused in their studies. They take classes because they are convenient to their schedule of sleeping in, or whatever, and don't focus on the classes that will get them the skills and knowledge they really need. Internships can help, but I consistently see that students coming to school after working tend to be much more focused and driven - and tend to perform better.
I went through my university's co-op program, which was the best thing I ever did in my university experience. I highly recommend trying out a job in your field of interest before graduating, it's a great tool to focus the rest of your schooling.