In the current climate I would disagree.
But I would also say that it's not really possible to build up a good portfolio before you've entered higher education. Presuming Semiazas is 17/18 then he won't have been able to get enough relevant experience for the better jobs, but nor will anyone else. That's when it'll matter what degree you have. After that you can start building a portfolio.
You're forgetting a key element, i say it many times here at IT.
"Loan yourself to
any production, be it only an extra pair of hands on set".
I happened to follow this instruction, throwing myself around any set that would take me, like a ragdoll caught in a gust. I started at 16, having a script of mine optioned by a local production company. (That would later be a mistake, may i add. I signed it over without pay).
However, i sat outside an office/workshop for a couple hours, offering my services. They knew i had the ability to write, but they have writers of their own, material already in the works. So, i said i'll be on set for whatever it is that was needed. It was simply against my character, but i wanted to build my
own production company, i wanted to taste, and discover what was necessary to suceed, how the crew was orchestrated, how problems where solved, and it what manner.
I was not a "Film buff", my prior experience was a "Film Studies" course, in which i had interest, ofcourse, but i knew it wasn't necessary in
my development. So i left.
The very same office, i sat. I was on a set within two weeks. From that i met a DP, who enjoyed the works similar Cinematographers as i did. I spent the shoot lifting, carrying, running. But most of all, and most importantly, watching,
learning.
I spent two years meeting crew members, actors, discovering technique, process.
Learning who i would like to work with, was simple repetition. Paying close attention to numerous positions, and skill, painting pictures in my mind of how i would approach them, and the importance of this initial crossover, was the first step.
Five years on.
Am i still learning, am i still developing the crew, the technique? Very much so.
I did this without a degree.
If i'd started University, as I'm now 20 years old, i would imagine I'd yet to be finished the course.
I've worked- and do work- with both the qualified, and the not. As many do, there is momentary crossings of perspective, but it simply comes down to personal preference, and in which route most benefits your ability to learn.