It is used as a signalling tool. A checkbox. Does it truly matter? No. Does it help, does it give you a leg up against someone who hasn't? Obviously. If you d

It is used as a signalling tool. A checkbox. Does it truly matter? No. Does it help, does it give you a leg up against someone who hasn't? Obviously. If you don't have a degree and don't plan on getting one. Work your ass off, even more importantly - network! That guy who knows someone who knows someone ... the world is a big, yet small place. Networking + marketing yourself becomes very important if you don't have a degree.