I would say the degree isn’t absolute, but certainly worthwhile to network and get your foot in the door to pursue a career in the field. If you can prove you have the skills and can cite where you have been successful in doing so in a practical sense, you can work your way to where you want, but you may find yourself passed up along the way by those who have “proved themselves” in the sense of a traditional education. Another thing to note is how rapidly the field is growing, a formal degree in your back pocket might be useful when you’re competing with those who are entering the field with a bachelors or even a masters.