Yeah, every EE program that I’m aware of has lab courses where you build things on a breadboard, learn to use the oscilloscope and logic analyzer, and probably

Yeah, every EE program that I’m aware of has lab courses where you build things on a breadboard, learn to use the oscilloscope and logic analyzer, and probably accidentally let the magic smoke escape from a couple ICs. However, you’re often working in groups, so it’s not uncommon for one person to really “get it” while the other members of the group nod along but don’t fully understand the choices being made. In addition, TAs in the lab probably don’t have industry experience, so there are basic practical circuit design practices that aren’t taught or enforced. Labs are a good way to get initial experience, but I think there’s a lot that you inevitably have to learn on the job. There’s a reason you can’t earn a license as a Professional Engineer until you have 4 years of work experience.