Is MIT Master of Finance worth it if I already have internships and CFA Level 1, or should I work for a few years and do an MBA instead?

Question

I’ve done two internships — one in equity research and another in corporate finance — and I’ve also cleared CFA Level 1. I’m now trying to decide between doing a Master of Finance (MFin) right after graduation or working for 2–3 years and then going for an MBA. My long-term goal is to work in investment banking or asset management, ideally in a global role. I’m wondering if doing an MFin now will help me break into these roles earlier, or if it’s better to gain some experience and apply for an MBA later for broader leadership positions. I’d really appreciate input on ROI, career progression, and how employers view these two paths — especially if you already have CFA and some relevant internships.

Mohit C · Accepted Answer

An MBA after work experience can sometimes offer more flexibility and higher long-term pay than an MFin right away.
With 2&ndash;3 years of experience before an MBA: &bull; Post-MBA roles in investment banking, private equity, or hedge fund management often start at $150K&ndash;$175K base, with total comp exceeding $300K in strong bonus years. &bull; Candidates can also step into senior roles in corporate treasury or mergers & acquisitions at Fortune 500 companies. &bull; The work background helps secure leadership-track positions rather than purely technical roles. &bull; An MBA network provides access to finance-adjacent sectors like fintech leadership or sovereign wealth fund roles. &bull; Starting later allows more clarity on which finance niche offers the best career growth before committing fully.
For more details you can read this blog on "MIT MFin"

S Raghav · Answer

The MIT MFin is designed for people who want to break into high-finance roles quickly, and it works well when paired with internships and CFA Level 1. Many grads get into investment banking, trading, or asset management within months, often at top firms like JPMorgan, Citi, or BlackRock. Average base salaries are around $115K&ndash;$125K in the US, and bonuses can add another $40K&ndash;$60K in the first year.
One big advantage is the access to MIT&rsquo;s recruiting network. Many banks treat MFin grads almost like MBA hires for entry-level associate roles, which can skip a year or two of the typical analyst grind. The downside is that without prior full-time work, the MBA later might still be needed for leadership roles. If the goal is to start in front-office finance fast and build deal experience early, this is a solid path.