Dear Experts,

I’ve been out of work for 4 months now. I’ve gotten several interviews. Each time, my MBA has come up. I’m very proud of it. I paid my way through grad school, graduated with honors, and one of my course projects on entrepreneurship won an award. So, I’ve shared this information. However, I am now thinking this is causing me NOT to get the job. Here’s why…

At a party this weekend, I heard a woman say no one with an MBA gets hired at her company because management says they are all ‘too full of themselves and don’t really know how business runs.’ I was blown away. I know some people feel a sense of competition against those with advanced degrees, they even mentioned that in school, but I had no idea actual management teams would feel that way. I’m 28 years old and have the rest of my life to work, should I be hiding the fact I got my MBA instead of showcasing it?

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Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter:

Q#363 Don’t hide it, but look at larger companies who might value it more. (@gradversity)

Q#363 Ive had 2 take my MBA off my card & resume many times. Advice: Know yr Audience & respond appropriately. (@JoshuaWaldman)

Q#363 Why do MBA’s feel so threatened? Be proud: http://bit.ly/2VEtbb. (@ravingredhead)

Q#363 May be ur attitude, not ur MBA; best not 2 tout MBA as reason 4 accomplishments; others do much w/o MBA. (@juliaerickson)

Q#363 Obviously keep MBA on resume & accomps; just also show how u have learned on the job & will learn more. (@juliaerickson)

Q#363 Use “inside info” & be prepared to demonstrate biz wisdom in interviews. Be sure to be opposite of the perception. (@DawnBugni)

Q#363 In interviews, demonstrate you have a pragmatic understanding of business. That you aren’t resting on MBA laurels. (@resumstrategy)

Q#363 An MBA is certainly something to be proud of and the right employer will be: http://wp.me/pwdoo-41. (@marysevinsky)

Q#363 Cannot account for small minded jealous people. MBA is def. something to b proud of. Present and sell all ur skills. (@DebraWheatman)

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