Fastest way to associate in IB? MBA question

I noticed that a post-MBA associate role from a top school (HBS, Wharton, etc) pays around $200k plus. Does this role differ from the role an analyst can get if he/she stays for 3 years? How long does it usually take for an analyst to become an associate?

Does it make any sense for an IB analyst to get a top MBA if they want to become an IB associate? Are their any advantages of being a Harvard MBA grad and landing an associate role, versus an an analyst who worked his way up?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand the value of an MBA for someone who wants to stay in their respective career field. To me, it makes more sense to be a 25 year old associate than a 29 year old associate with a brand name MBA.

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