I hear that in Computer Programming, companies want people with skills/abilities, and experience to show it.

Any idea where I can get some of these "real life experiences?"

Most companies hire both entry-level people and experienced people depending on their needs. This is true for ALL jobs, not just programming.

Most companies understand that if all companies required experience then there would be nowhere for anyone to get experience.

But you can get a part-time or summer job or internship doing anything. Companies want to see people that have demonstrated that they know what it means to show up for work every day for a couple months at least. It can be at a fast-food restaurant or stocking shelves at a grocery.

Note: When companies are looking for experience programmers, that means they are looking for people with 3-5 years of full-time experience after graduating college. They are not looking for experienced 18-year-olds. Of course, there are some exceptions. But those places are looking for wizz-kid geniuses -- because the founders of the company were probably such geniuses.

Get an internship. Offer volunteer programming to volunteer/charitable organizations. There are websites where you can do freelance programming for pretty poor pay most of the time.

Try submitting bug fixes for open source programs. Keep track of any that are approved. Fun, useful, and much appreciated by us casual users.

I hear that in Computer Programming, companies want people with skills/abilities, and experience to show it.

Any idea where I can get some of these "real life experiences?"