I have to agree with Snigs about the MCC.
I did it at one of the major uk schools straight after passing my IR and didn't think much of it at all. I can think of a lot of better ways to blow three grand in the space of two weeks!
My advice would be to only do it if you get a firm job offer from a company, and they tell you that you need it.
All the best from Joe Bolt (38).