Agreed, that's why all of the non-entry level positions that I hire for ask for "BS in XXXX, or equivalent experience".
Now, the question is, how do you get experience? That's stickier, but I'd start with volunteering, attending user groups, network network network, and so on.
I'm in IT, and one of the questions I always ask at entry level interviews is, "How many computers do you have at home?" "Zero" is the wrong answer.
"One" or "Two" is adequate. The correct answer is "Twelve, but most of them are torn apart and in a box under my bed. Man, let me tell ya about this sweet setup I have....."
Just like my tagline, my wish list is to only hire rightwingers but our last go-around where only 2 of us did the interviewing for our film production company, probably my best was the applicant who lived close-by and had the creds’ to do the job.
When we called him up, he explained that his car was in the shop and didn’t want to show up late for the interview. Fair enough, we said, then he says..
“Can you guys pick me up?”