Once again, I was asked to respond to a question posed by readers of the Career Builder section of the Arizona Republic newspaper, in a column known as “Ask The Experts.” Following is a recent Q&A from that column.

Question:

Is earning an MBA even worth it in this economy, when no one is hiring? What are the benefits/disadvantages to earning an MBA?

Answer:

I’ve heard CEOs say that they prefer someone with experience over someone with an MBA. That might be true, but if you’re competing for a job with someone who has equivalent experience, credentials like an advanced degree will often break the tie.

Now that companies are scrubbing their ranks looking for people to lay off, having an MBA might save you, unless of course you’ve not done the other things well. As a job seeker, it may be that edge you need to get the offer. It also demonstrates that you’re ambitious, interested in self-improvement and serious about your career. These are good traits and the benefits could outweigh the investment of time and money in getting your MBA.

This is a great time to be improving ourselves, while not dwelling on the negativity that surrounds us. If you can make the investment, go get that degree.