In my corner of the world of IT, I have found that experience is definately much more important than any degree or certification. In fact, I have yet run into an employer who has put any emphasis degrees or certifications.

I have taken some classes to prepare for the MCDBA certification tests; but never taken the tests. Test and I are not friends. 🙂 At this point there is not really any motivation to spend the time or money to acquire these certifications. I do have 15+ years under my belt as a developer and that may be why it is not as important for me; but an employer considering someone with less than 3 years experience may have a different expectation.

Having said that, the old saying of "It's not what you know it's who you know" is very true with securing a job. Many opportunities come about when you are excercising your peer networking muscles. Giving a newbie a chance is much more likely when you are recommended by a trusted source. Although, I would add to that old saying that it's what you know that keeps you there.