Polling Place: How should IT certifications be used?

I am finishing up my certification now. All I want it for is to get my foot in. I agree that it doesn't mean everything. There is some of us out there that have a good idea of what is going on, and we just need something to get started with. I was in a Penn State chemical engineering program for 3 years, I had great grades but did not like it anymore. Why should I have to spend 3 more years in college to get some sheep skin, then get an entry level job, then be forced into certification. I have heard stories of people memorizing books of mcse crap, taking the test and passing and barely knowing how to turn a computer on. That is what the interview process is still around for. But why not let people like myself get the certification, which I am working my tail off for, and go through the interview process and get hired, and then start on the experience?