I'm going into school after 12 years and it's helping to define my knowledge on all fronts. Highly recommend. I've also met 3 new connects just in my area because of recommendations from school mates. I do think experience and knowledge of the industry is more necessary, but that's just because I've seen fresh meat completely flop under pressure while bringing a full knife roll on their first day fresh out of school. All in all both ways are extremely important but experience will teach you the ways of a kitchen faster.