Hi, I have just received an offer from Bain Italy.. I know that MBA is a valid and realistic option after 2/3 years in Bain..Suppose I want to enter IB after the MBA. Is that a possibility? Do I need also the CFA or is an MBA enough?

It depends on the market (and on what position in IB you are interested in).A couple of years ago, I-banks were happily hiring MBAs because the market was good and they were desperate for talent. Today, when the market is looking down, you need as much direct IB experience and qualifications as possible, so CFA would be more valuable. In 3-5 years time after your time at Bain and the MBA course, the market could be different again.CFA qualification is also a more important requirement for Fund Management (for example) than for M&A.The efinancialcareers website is useful for keeping on top of developments in the IB career marketplace.

Also, I should have said, the biggest step you can make towards an IB career after working for Bain is to try and move into Bain Capital and work on projects for Bain Capital partners. The networks you build there will be as valuable as three CFA or MBA qualifications.

Would you say that CFA is a good alternative to MBA if one wants to get into IB later on? Or is the MBA the best way to go?

The guy above doesn't know what he is talking about.1) If you go to a top business school you will be able to get into IB from Bain.2) You might be able to do it without the MBA.3) To get the CFA you will need to have directly relevant work experience so at Bain you would be able to sit the exams but not acquire the official designation. You also wouldn't have time while at Bain.4) Nobody in their right mind would leave BAin Capital to go and work in a bank.Once you have spent some time at Bain all of this sort of stuff will become apparent and you will have plenty of people to ask. Better than getting 2nd/3rd hand advice off random undergrads posting on this board