The difference is that if you have a prestigious degree you have good odds of dropping into a fast track starter role. If you don't it may take you a decade of

The difference is that if you have a prestigious degree you have good odds of dropping into a fast track starter role. If you don't it may take you a decade of career time to "prove yourself" and network to the point where you could apply for something similar. Or you might _never_ get the chance to do that because you are stuck in jobs at "normal" companies where you spend all your time on low impact stuff.