Posted: 10.10.2006 at 04.16
In my experience (of a particular field and location of course) a degree is just a piece of paper that helps you get a job - and you learn all the important stuff on the job, doing whatever it is you are already
meant to know how to do, in a hands-on and practical way. Like you say, for many areas degrees are completely necessary - I wouldn't want to go to a doctor or dentist or solicitor who didn't have the necessary qualifications! But for things like IT, arts, etc - it's the on the job experience that counts the most, and a degree is just a means to an end.
It's great that you're doing what you want to do and have come that far even though you've not finished studying - you'll be far ahead of all the others who have a degree, but no experience. :D