There is a glass ceiling in the professional world that many people cannot get passed without a university degree, in many cases the degree doesn’t even have to be in a relevant subject. I have only met two people at the executive level at large multinational firms without them, but they are the exception and not the norm.

What makes it necessary? Specific positions (management roles, MAANG, Big 4, etc.)? Competition? HR screening software?

What roles do not have this degree requirement? (Ex: are developers impacted by this glass ceiling as well?)

What experience or certifications, if any, would compel employers to disregard or overlook the requirement? (As this will vary between IT verticals I am looking for answers like X years of experience, manage a team of X size, senior-level certification, etc.)