QUOTE(Martyr2 @ 21 Aug, 2007 - 09:55 AM)

Simply keep checking back here. People on this site, and this forum specifically, are describing their applications when they describe their problems. Even though a lot of them are students, their projects have real world applications and are in demand. Some projects include inventory tracking systems, customer service apps like orders and ordering details, and some even deal in the entertainment realm with graphical projects. Once in awhile you see networking apps like chat scripts that can be independent or over the web.
Most of them do have industry applications and can give you a ton of ideas just by reading both the questions and the solutions provided here. I guess the tip boils down to "Lurk and learn"

Martyr has a good point. People are searching for help because they have problems with a program that is challenging (at some point in a programing career). Reading these posts will give you some good ideas.
Also, any programming language has built in functions, obviously. Search these functions and in no time you will be getting ideas.