<p>Yes, I know MANY people with college degrees who are underemployed–some are clerks, some are secretaries, some are agents at rental car agencies. Do you NEED those credentials to perform the job? Not really, but since they have their pick of the candidates, they choose those who have the credentials over similar non-credentialed candidates, because they can.
Our S was happy to get out with his BEE instead of listening to us and getting his MEE. He figures he will go back for a masters when he WANTS and NEEDS one instead of because it was convenient. He may get an MBA and a certification in project management, if that appeals to him more; his employer is also willing to help subsidize, depending on what sequestration does to the funding.</p>