These days, how important is a degree vs. having years of direct experience?

rita.2maxwell@yahoo.co.uk
hi
My name is Rita never married. l saw your profile today and after going
through it many times (toostep.com) then l made up my mind to
contact you as my friend. so l want you to write back to me through my email
address so that l will give you my picture and for you to know who l am.
(rita.2maxwell@yahoo.co.uk) l hope to see your mail ok. lt is from
me,
miss Rita

both are equally important, neverthlessly . studies make u specific for the field but experiance give u hand on area of appliation to utilize yours abilities

Direct experience matters most because degree gives you theoretical Knowledge where as Experience gives Practical one which was needed to perform in particular function. but still degree has its own value as if you have theoretical knowledge then & then only you can implement  that Knowledge in practice.
In Industry Employee is part of particular function. that function is divided by different roles. hence in Industry to play that role experience is required than knowledge. 

I feel one should be able to perform his work... education dont matter a lot ..thats what I feel