Imagine choosing between someone with a CS degree vs someone without a CS degree and think which you would prefer to do SWE work for you all else equal.

CS degree every time right?

Now imagine both candidates had the exact same career trajectory. Say 6 YOE, couple years at a FAANG recently, but the non-CS candidate was promoted there etc. which do you prefer now?

Probably the non-CS degree holder. They have proven they can do the work and advance by their self-starter mindset, skill and hustle alone without “appeals to authority”/certification.

Once people have proven they can do the job for real, certification matters less. While some industries make it a box you have to check, tech mostly doesn’t.

Dont wast your time unless you can’t get a foot in the door without a cert.