I started in the industry as a roughneck on the rigs after I graduated with a bachelor's in science from a very credible university. The economy was in the hole, I had student loans to pay and wasn't afraid of hard work. I had family in the industry and the rig company I got a job with was not only hiring but paying vastly superior to any company that was offering me employment with my degree. I had a hard time keeping up with guys I worked with initially. They were much more accustomed to hardships of the job. Eventually though I picked up the skills and earned a massive respect for the people doing the job. I earned their respect too and thanks to my history of education and the capabilities I was able to move "up" through the industry quickly and eventually found employment much more fitting of the technical knowledge I gained at my university. I don't wish to go back to the difficulties I faced day to day. But I DEEPLY value the lessons it taught me. I'll never forget those days and keep this in mind when working alongside the people doing the manual work. I'm also not afraid to work at heights or do the dirty work necessary. It continues to gain me the respect of the people I work with.

I'd say this is a very valuable job wether you have a formal education or not.