I’m not too sure about colleges in the USA, but in Canada, some universities have co-op programs. This is basically where you take some time off of school and find a job in your field.

I’m at the University of Waterloo in Computer Engineering. Co-op is a required part of my course. Every other term (each term is four months), I apply to and work for a company. Right now I’m working for Research in Motion as a computer programmer. I’m making about $18/hour, (Wages increase with academic/co-op terms. I’m just a second year student.) and I have my own project, so it’s very enjoyable. Plus, I get to work with real engineers.

Also, the Professional Engineers of Ontario (and probably others) requires 4 years of engineering experience before they will let you join, and the co-op terms you do in the second half of your university career count towards that, so it’s basically like getting a free year towards your PEng.

Note that not all universities do co-op the same way. Some do it for a full year after your third year in school, etc. Waterloo’s got a great system though.