Best time to take MBA?

As I've said in a previous question, I'm currently working as a commercial credit analyst in a BB. I'm enjoying it, but don't want to stay there for more than 18 months or so (skill plateau). Ideally I'd like to go into DCM or some other IB role, and I'm going to try network my way in internally. Currently studying for the CFA as well.

Assuming I can't network my way in, I've heard people say that an MBA is another option. I think I could get into some good schools (my GPA, translated into the US system, is 3.71/4.00, make of that what you will), but I've always thought the MBA was best taken about 4-5 years into your career.

Would looking at schools/taking the GMAT etc be a good idea now, or would that be an option I should take further down the line if I'm not successful at breaking into an IB role?

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Well, I'm in commercial - not corporate - banking (so pretty far removed from IB) and am looking to make the jump. CFA is a whole lot cheaper and probably more wholly applicable. However, I thought MBA would give me an opportunity to go through the recruiting process again. I'm definitely taking the CFA regardless.

 
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