I’ve hired co-ops and new grads for years in Canada. It’s not usually for any specific technical knowledge: it’s for their ability to learn fast, be receptive to instruction, ability to think ahead, raw initiative, and commitment to the job.
I know first-hand the curriculum for an Elec Eng or Comp Eng degree in Canada, and there’s very little “practical” in proportion to everything else. In fairness, there’s a metric shit-load of theory that needs to get covered in 4 years, so I’m not surprised.
What might piss me off in a new grad in general? People who think they are worth more than we’re paying them. People who don’t understand the need to grok the office/lab/shop culture and fit in. People who have a sense of entitlement as a result of their new degree. In short: social immaturity coupled with unrealistic expectations about their new career.
I’ve generally been fortunate enough to have weeded such behaviors out at the initial interview stage, but not always.
My point is that employers know that new grads are short on directly-applicable technical skills, and have already baked-in the need to teach/train/invest time and energy in making you productive and returning their investment in you.
The more you impress them with your ability to learn and retain knowledge, positive attitude, ability to follow instruction, as well as adhering to office social conventions like showing up on time each day, not getting caught web surfing on company time, etc., I’m sure you will do fine.
In your specific case, although you’re an older grad at 30, unless you bring some significant “prior relevant industry experience” chops to the table, I’d say my comments are still valid.