I personally feel a vocational qualification, such as a MCSE can often go a lot further than a degree. If like me, you are very eager to work in a professional environment but have neither the patience for, or interest in a degree, then get yourself one of these. I started of as a junior, no experience - just the pro status, my 4 year seniors are on a silly salary - and we didn't need a degree (just a different viewpoint). Of course other fields will require a degree.