Yes, this. Study (in my case computer engineering) but work in co-op (multiple 4-month internships). Graduated ready to be hired by several employers.

Certainly agreed. As I say, I'm an educator, and I'm not trying to talk my position out of experience; but neither do I want to diminish the potential of the self taught.

Sorry, "I'm not trying to talk my position out of existence", not "… out of experience".