Slavakion: I disagree that a minor or even a major “suggests experience” in that area. For example, someone with a brand new BA in electrical engineering knows the math and the formulas, but may well have no experience whatever in the actual assignments that they will get in the workplace. This affects not just their ability to come up with a solution, but even how they approach the work.
As an analogy consider a new graduate bricklayer who has carefully studied all the technical literature on the subject. They may be expert in the theory, even more so than someone who simply learned from a mentor and worked for the last 20 years in the field. However, I would have no way of judging whether or not they could really build a wall, or were willing to put in the work to do so. I can examine the other guys work and talk to previous employers. The situation will be different in a year or two. Then I can look at both peoples work, and the much deeper understanding of the academically trained person may well have turned them into a more valuable employee. (“The person who knows what to do will always have work. The person who understands why will always be their boss.” Not always true, but conveys the idea.)
Not to mention whether or not the applicant actually WILL work… there are a surprising number of people who are pretty good at coursework that simply will not do assigned work, for a variety of reasons.
I do agree with you about internships, work/study, or even just summer jobs. All are very valuable. Even a little experience is valuable, especially if it also produces a “track record” that can be evaluated.
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