My Yankee, your story is one sided. There are stories like yours and there are success stories. In the US good RELEVANT education with good grades is the key. If she said U.K. I would have said no but US depends on 3 things
1. Going to a very good school for Masters that is respected by employers
2. Getting a good grade and being top of the class
3. Course of study that is relevant- if business (accounting &Finance) is the area people get jobs, anything else I doubt it, maybe An executive MBA or Management information systems. Engineering & Medical Field are the top recruiting field *poster did not mention her course of study for Masters*
If those 3 things above checks out there is a good chance she will get a fantastic job that will change her life forever. Of course nothing in life is guaranteed #speakingfromexperience
Since the poster said she is smart, the only advice I will give her is make sure she goes to a good school/top tier school.
Leaving your job and making that decision I can't advice! Do what is best for you.