Update to the CHP Designation Website for Employers & Participants

Webinars & CHP Designation


1.  We will soon be announcing some new webinars to be held in February on hedge fund capital raising, setting up a hedge fund, and growing a hedge fund career. Some of these will be free and open to the public while others will be restricted to Hedge Fund Premium members or cost $97 to attend.


2.  Our team also just updated our CHP Designation website to include specific pages built specifically for employers looking to train their employees, potential participantsparticipants, and alumni of our program.  These pages will help provide more specific information about our program to these different groups.  The main reason we have added them is that we now have more employers paying for their employees to complete our program than ever before and we needed a space to speak to these employers more directly.


If you would like to learn more about how our online hedge fund training platform could grow your career faster or help educate your employees please visit: http://HedgeFundCertification.com/Training.html

CHP Designation Opens Today to 300 Professionals

Register for the CHP Designation



Registration for the CHP Designation Program opens to a limited group of 300 new participants today at 2PM Eastern Standard Time here: http://hedgefundcertification.com/Enrollment.html

Limitations: There is no time limit for registration, once the 300 slots within the program are full registration will close again until the Fall 2010 Session.  Last week we offered a hedge fund career webinar which attracted 1,640 registrants in 4 days so we are expecting to fill this program relatively quickly.

The CHP Designation is the #1 globally recognized 100% online hedge fund training and certification program constructed for and by hedge fund professionals.

The CHP Designation is a two level program.  CHP Level 1 covers hedge fund fundamentals while CHP Level 2 allows you to specialize within an area of your choice such as Hedge Fund Due Diligence, Hedge Fund Marketing & Sales, or Hedge Fund Portfolio Analytics.


Within the CHP Training Program you will receive:
  • Access to Over 60 educational videos, templates, books, and exclusive hedge fund tools found nowhere else
  • Improved Pedigree & and Upgraded Resume showing third party verification of your specialized hedge fund knowledge
  • An Understanding of hedge fund investment strategies, fund of hedge funds, analytics, due diligence, and current hedge fund trends and terms
  • An Advantage over those professionals and funds which do not have the hedge fund training, resources, and knowledge you will recieve.
The participants within the CHP Program come from over 30 countries around the world and include hedge fund principals, students, traders, analysts, consultants, lawyers, third party marketers, professors, financial advisors, portfolio managers, IT consultants, and others who have valuable experience but need hedge fund training.


Resume & Pedigree Upgrade: Participants who complete our program and pass our challening examination should be able to add the following entry to ther Education & Training section of their resume.
Certified Hedge Fund Professional (CHP) Designation Level 1
  • Completed challenging hedge fund training program covering hedge fund investment strategies and terms
  • Obtained an ___% on the 2 hour CHP Examination covering fund of hedge funds, hedge fund startegies, hedge fund due diligence, portfolio analytics, and hedge fund trends.
  • Hedge Fund Group certified as holding a high level of specialidzed hedge fund best practices

Tuition: Each level of the CHP Designation costs less than a single University course yet provides very niche training to help you gain specialized knowledge in the hedge fund industry.

  • CHP Level 1 Tuition: $550
  • CHP Level 2 Tuition: $650
  • CHP Level 1 & 2 Combination Registration: $899 ($300 discount when you pay for both levels at one time)




 Enrollment opens today, July 15th, at 2PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) for 300 additional participants.  To register please visit this link: http://hedgefundcertification.com/Enrollment.html


Risk Free:  The CHP Program includes a 3 week no questions asked money back guarantee, so if you register and don't see yourself benefiting from our online video training platform, required readings, study guide, and email based career coaching and help you may withdraw and receive 100% of your money back.



Participant Testimonials

Read over 90 pieces of feedback on our program below

Below are over 90 testimonials direct from current and past participants within the CHP Designation Program. These quotes offer insight into why others in similar situations are registering for this program.
Testimonial #1: Andy R. | Hedge Fund Manager
"As a former Hedge Fund manager, looking to launch a new fund in the next year, I was intrigued by the prospect of increasing my knowledge and understanding of a variety of platforms, strategies, and new regulations that are likely to come through the CHP. I believe that this designation is a long overdue way to separate the wheat from the chaff in an industry that, while currently in a down cycle, will remain as an integral component for financial planning and asset allocation in the future."

Testimonial #2: Nick Asmus | Equities Trader








Transcripted Text: "The hedge fund industry is becoming more popular every day and more competitive as well. This is why I believe the hedge fund certification program is a good way to show potential employers that you are dedicated to the industry. In college I ran the financial management association, after that I worked as a financial analyst and now I have been an equity trader for three years. For me it makes sense to show how I serious I am about learning about hedge funds, the CHP provides a great intensity of focus on hedge funds showing you are interested in the industry and driven to succeed. Most importantly it shows that you really are driven and you know the knowledge, you have a good foundation of basic hedge fund principles and in Level 2 of the CHP you can get more in-depth and show where your expertise is based, I recommend this program to everyone". 

Testimonial #3: Technical Analyst For Wachovia | Sumeer Kapila, Level 1 CHP, CFA Level 3 Candidate
"CHP designation is focused program. A program which details and provide inside information of hedge fund industry standards and strategies. The study guide provide you the rules of the game keeping you informed about the legal and regulatory perspective. This program helps you to keep the integrity of the market by raising industry standards".

Testimonial #4: Job Title: Hedge Fund Manager
Why are you earning the CHP Designation? "I have been tracking the develop of this designation for several months now and now that I'm running my own hedge fund I need more of a broad base of hedge fund industry knowledge. In the past as a trader I have learned a lot about investing and alternative asset types but I'm completing this course to learn more about the structure and direction of the industry."

Testimonial #5 J.P.: Hedge Fund Manager (Partner)
"Among the critical reasons I joined a hedge fund are the minimization of bureaucracy, an innovation-friendly environment, and the community of intellectual and self-motivated individuals. To me, the Hedge Fund Group and now the CHP designation embody these principles and will come to represent a unique brand of individuals in the hedge fund space."

Testimonial #9 Chai Foong: Algorithmic Forex Market Trader









Transcript of video above: "I am a algorithmic trader for the forex markes. I have been searching for a training program related to the markets and hedge funds but I could not find any suitable until a firend told me about the Certified Hedge Fund Professional (CHP) Exam. This program helps me build credibility in the market place and adds to my relevant experience in the field. I believe the CHP is what is needed to step inside the hedge fund industry".

Testimonial #6: Marc Oliver
"I have over 20+ years in the financial market industry with 15 securities licenses as well as other designation which includes FINRA Arbitration/ Mediation Panelist. Additionally, I am or have been a member of various industry related regulatory groups. Most notably, I have been on the Regulatory/ Compliance side in the financial Market for the last 11 years, having even served as Head of Compliance, with an emphasis towards providing regulatory oversight for trade compliance (Listed/ NASDAQ/ Program Trading). My objective going forward is to focus on Hedge Fund Compliance oversight and though I am currently pursuing my Juris Doctorate I believe that the CHP designation would give the proper foundation as well professional accreditation coupled with my current investment advisory experience for such a career transition."

Testimonial #7: Private Wealth Management Executive, CHP Level 1 Fall 2008
“The Hedge Fund Group stands at the forefront of our industry’s progressive growth, providing a designation which will prove invaluable and recognizable world-wide. With impeccable timing, the Certified Hedge Fund Professional (CHP) designation is emerging into the best buyers’ market of our lifetimes. In this CFP and CFA jungle, mark yourself with the CHP and become a distinct industry leader. Treat yourself as an investment in an emerging market and enjoy reaping the rewards of your future. In the world of alternative investments, there’s no substitute for the CHP designation.”

Testimonial #8Dominic Di Bernardo - Student
"I am taking this hedge fund certification program to expand my knowledge base of the hedge fund industry (There is little learned in school about this industry). I also believe that this designation will give me an edge over others trying to enter the industry. And lastly I believe that I will be able to gain valuable contacts through this programs website, other designation candidates, and anyone else that stands behind this designation".

Testimonial #10Professional Placement Agent for Hedge Funds
“The Hedge Fund Group (HFG) has been fabulous. They answer every question quickly, accurately and professionally. It’s this stuff that, quite simply, builds credibility. For once I'm actually studying something"

Testimonial #11: B.R. Aravind | Hedge Fund Associate

Transcript from Video Above: "To start with my objective was to work for a hedge fund manage a portfolio of my own a few years from now. While I was trying to learn the basics of the hedge fund industry I found the certification program ran by the Hedge Fund Group (HFG). This lead me to enroll into this hedge fund certification program they provided many helpful internship and career related articles. This gave me the right exposure on the industry and eventually got me an internship with the Hedge Fund Group. During this internship I was given many responsibilities on hedge funds, due diligence they use, risk management processes they use and holdings analysis work using SEC 13F Holdings filings. I am working with the Hedge Fund Group (HFG) to help provide a platform of working with hedge fund managers further throughout the rest of my career. Thank you"

Testimonial #12Derivative/Technical analyst for a leading broking firm
"The CHP program is of the best courses I could find in the market for someone who wants to enter the world of alternative investments. Not only is the course vigorous and up to date, but they also help you with access to industry recruiters for career advice and job opportunities. Another reason I registered was so that I could build my contacts in the investment world through the Hedge Fund Group. To me the value was in the complete package for a successful career in the field of alternative investments."

Testimonial #13: Algorithmic Trader for a Private Capital Group
"I am an algorithmic trading software developer working for a capital firm. I have been doing just-in-time learning all the time, in an undisciplined fashion. I think the goal of achieving a CHP Designation would enforce a formal approach to my education in this dynamic field. Besides, in my readings, I am hitting areas and terms I did not know, like - Tranches etc. CHP Designation would give me the confidence of a firm background knowledge, in pursuing my career."

Testimonial #14: Bob Beller Executive Vice President at a Financial Advisory Firm
"I’ve been involved in all aspects of the financial services industry over the past twenty-five years – legal and compliance, commodity pool owner and operator, hedge fund-of-funds principal and operator, domestic and international…you name it. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years it’s that no business and no individual entrepreneur can sustain success over time without integrity and objective standards through which to measure core competence. Integrity comes from within. Objective standards are established by progressive thinkers. For me, the concept of CHP Designation is at the cutting edge of an industry that requires more uniform and measurable standards. That’s where I want to be for people I represent and that’s exactly what I want to pass along to people I mentor. Timing is everything."

Testimonial #15: Jennifer Hrabik | Wealth Management Associate
"Early on in my finance career I recognized I am very interested in alternatives and knew that learning more about this area would give me a competitive edge. I researched programs and found the CHP Designation to be the best as it also provides networking and mentor opportunities. It excites me that the program is new and I can be one of the first in the industry to earn this designation. I also like the two level approach. Level one provides a thorough overview of the hedge fund industry while level two focuses on training for a specific role. For someone just a few years into their career, level two is really helpful in narrowing down what you want to "major" in."

Testimonial #16 Soumen Gopal.: Hedge Fund Manager (Partner)










Transcript of Video Above: "There are three reasons why I joined this hedge fund certification program. The first reason is the focus, this program is focused very deeply on the hedge fund industry, performance and investment strategies and this is tailored to my needs. The other important point about this program is the speed of completion, many programs take much longer to complete. The last reason was the networking benefits, you can come out of this program and attend networking events and meet others in the indsutry and this is very helpful."

Testimonial #17: Timothy Brady
"I enjoyed the readings required for the CHP Designation. Also, the communication provided by CHP was good."

Testimonial #18: Shian-Shian Khern
"Very comprehensive and useful structure. The CHP Designation provided with me valuable knowledge and information. I know feeel versed in hedge fund industry."

Testimonial #19: Henrik Lalund
"I think the CHP Designation Program gives a good introduction to and overview of the hedge fund industry. I enjoyed reading all the 3 books and think they contain the right amount of knowledge. I am looking forward to take the next level of the designation."

Testimonial #20: Alexander Haardt
"The readings were very well chosen. The CHP program has helped me better understand the industry as a whole as well as individual hedge fund strategies. Tough at times but lots of fun!"

Testimonial #21: Gregory Blair
"I really enjoyed the content that we had to learn. Good dynamic course for an individual interested in getting involved in any type of investment situation or career, not just hedge funds."

Testimonial #22: Choong Foon Chai
"This program helped me become more knowledgable and this has been a valuable experience. The CHP program is unique and provides something which really doesn't exist elsewhere in the market. I took this program because it helped me increase my credibility in the hedge fund industry."

Testimonial #23: Sunny Youn
"Completing the CHP Designation has been a good experience, covering out a variety of topics of interest related to hedge funds"

Testimonial #24: Peter Schaffer
"I think it is a good test for hedge fund professionals to complete. I now look forward to Level 2 of the program."

Testimonial #25: Antony Ghee
"CHP Level 1 provides the fundamental building blocks for working in the world of hedge funds. The materials and topics covered were not overwhelming, yet not overly simplistic. It is my view that the CHP Designation Program strikes the appropriate balance for anyone that seeks to learn about or build upon their knowledge of hedge funds."

Testimonial #26: Kwee-Lam Teo
"The CHP Designation Program provides participants with extensive knowledge of hedge fund industry to strengthen our professionalism in hedge funds industry It really carry weight and improves our quality standards in the industry"

Testimonial #27: Anil Sharma
"Good coverage of topics, testing of deep understanding, and well constructed examination as well. Thank You"

Testimonial #28: Kaustav Bagchi
"Preparation material like the practice exam could be more frequently released. They were very helpful in understanding the different subject areas as well as gave good preparation. Also, the study material was very comprehensive and summaries of the material are extremely useful. I would definitely sign up for the Level 2."

Testimonial #29: Alexander Moreno
"My experience with the exam has been great, I have gain a better understanding of the hedege fund industry, what the basic strategies are, and how it plays a big roe in the financial industry. The reading material was excellent, and the exam was very relevent."

Testimonial #30: Susan Swift
"Very broad learning experience. Good overall coverage of material."

Testimonial #31: Vincent Tange
"Great to have a programme entirely focused on this growing industry. Very useful literature suitable and interesting for a diverse audenience of participants. Looking forward very much to develop myself further in the industry thanks to insights gained from this programme"

Testimonial #32: Haifeng Xi
"The exam and related video content is a great motivation for self learning! The test preparation materials are great help in the process, please keep up the good work..."

Testimonial #33: Scott Ingerto
"I thought the book selection was great . Some more concrete examples would be great to have in the program, but test was complete and fair. Thank you.

Testimonial #34: Jimmy Huang
"I have had a great experience studying for the CHP Designation Program, thank you for making it avaliable.."

Testimonial #35: Mike Peterson
"The CHP Level 1 Program was an excellent program in a broad overview of the Hedge Fund Industry."

Testimonial #36: Shiu Hong Chu
"I think the CHP exam is good since the questions difficulty is optimal, and the time is enough for the candidate to finish it. Also, it covers all the main idea hedge funds industry should know. And the essay question is good for testing the candidate's knowledge of different hedge fund strategies. Good Job!! I Enjoyed the exam. See you in level 2!"

Testimonial #37: Vadim Alexanrov
"Great interactions with anyone I was trying to reach/ask a question. Straightforward curriculum. Nice preparation guides. Thanks!"

Testimonial #38: Manik Chhabra
"Great experience. Excellent ciriculum/ exposure to the hedge fund industry. Looking forward to the next steps in finding opportunities in industry."

Testimonial #39: Elaine Fox
"Broad questions covering all areas. Very helpful. Some tricky questions in there on the examination."

Testimonial #40: Richard Langevin
"CHP Designation program is a very nice program and I'm very proud to be part of it. I'm sure it will growth very fast in the coming years !!! I plan starting working in the Hedge Fund industry in the coming two years and this designation will help me a lot ! Thanks for seting this program."

Testimonial #41: Alok Kumar
"The exam and its purpose is very good. It can be further improved by marketing it better to hedge funds. The people who pass their exam should now be more likely to land a job within the industry."

Testimonial #42: Sachin Obaid
"This was an awesome exam! it gave me a great opportunity to read books which I generally would not pick as light reading and I have learned a lot. Thank you for creating such a great program. "

Testimonial #43: Matthew Archie
"The CHP Designation Program has greatly improved my knowledge. Improvement: The study guide couldve been completed earlier last year, glad it is now complete though. Thank you for the opportunity!"

Testimonial #44: Christopher Eberhart
"Richard Wilson and the CHP team has been very supportive since I registered for the program. The provided responsiveness and the knowledge I needed from the program."

Testimonial #45: Manik Chhabra
"Great experience. Excellent ciriculum/ exposure to the hedge fund industry. Looking forward to the next steps in finding opportunities in industry."

Testimonial #46: Hai Le
"I love the program so far, but still need time to study for Level 2 before the next examination is offered -. thanks for the program"

Testimonial #47: Mario Tate
"I like the freedom of taking the test online, I can go to a quiet place and not be distracted by crowds. I also like the updated study guide which includes tips on which chapters to focus on this is really helpful."

Testimonial #48: Jose Carlos
"Even I am manage derivatives from long time ago, I have learn a lot about the small and big difference to approach from the relative value point of view. It has been a very good approach to the Hedge Fund industry, and the books included as material it should be a absolutly neccesary readings for any investor interested in absolute retunrs, capital preservation and interested to manage the Risk/Return in an efficient way."

Testimonial #49: Christine Zaremba
"I gained valuable insight into the Fund of Funds and Hedge Funds, particularly investment strategies. I attest that this program is helpful on generating positive returns. I hope that course 2 continues to provide me with the detailed knowledge and videos provided by the Hedge Fund Premium.com website. Thanks!"

Testimonial #50: Najieb Zain
"I think an online exam makes it convenient for candidates from across the country to pursue the CHP Designation Program. Thank you for the pleasant experience."

Testimonial #51: Bradley Robinson
"The overall customer service provided by Richard Wilson and the CHP certification team before the exam was excellent. I enjoyed the readings. The CHP program still has a small "feel" to it unlike the other programs out there"

Testimonial #52: Howard Klemmer, Hedg Fund Manager
"This was a fine experience for me as I am already a fund manager and this exam let me to test what I do vs what other people thought I did.."

Testimonial #53: Al Behbehani
"I think the exam was well constructed. Thanks."

Testimonial #54: Jean Paul Van Straalen
"The online exam of the CHP designation provide the hedge fund industry a tool to build on a more professional image and reliable and responsible attitude of the manager"

Testimonial #55: Venugopalan Mauralidharan
"This has been a good experience for me. I learned a lot about the hedge fund industry."

Testimonial #56: Darius Paris
"The CHP organization does a good job supporting the candidates with preparation. I like the flexibility of the online exam format. Thanks."

Testimonial #57: James Day
"The information contained within the CHP Designation Program has been helpful for starting my own hedge fund."

Testimonial #58: Steven Pliszka
"I believe that what you are doing is very constructive and I appreciate the oppportunity."

Testimonial #59: Mammad Guliyev
"Thanks for the program, everything you offer is excellent and I recieved a lot of value from the training."

Testimonial #60: Mark Babineau
"As a college student studying for the CHP, I have learned an enormous amount about the hedge fund industry. I would highly suggest this program for anyone looking to get into the hedge fund business."

Testimonial #61: Michael Drover
"I think more emphasis on trading strategies would be useful, as opposed to the amount of time spend on fund of funds. But this is a minor point - generally speaking, a well-designed program!"

Testimonial #62: Abdikarim Karshe
"I think this is a well prepared test and I think many people benefit from this test. best regards"

Testimonial #63: Paul Maggs
"Really enjoyed studying for the course. It was good that teh study material was broad and authored by different individuals. The ability to ask questions was also a huge benefit as this isn't something I have had on previous courses in the UK.."

Testimonial #64: Victor Leon
"So far so good. I really hope I pass both levels this year so I can add this to my resume!"

Testimonial #65: Scott Jelen
"This has been a positive experience because it dispelled some of the myths surrounding hedge funds. I especially liked the book about the funds of funds. I also thought the discussion of the different strategies was very interesting."

Testimonial #66: Michael Kennedy-Gestring
"Your hedge fund course was great thank you!"

Testimonial #67: Benjamin Shellington
"This program has helped me tremendously in learning about both the hedge fund and mutual fund industries in terms of their evolution over time, strategies and general place in the financial world."

Testimonial #68: Ray Mustafa
"So far I believe that the CHA program has been helpful. The reading material covered a large range of information. I do look forward to completing level 2. "

Testimonial #69: Jim Hughes
"Program is educational besides informative. Awesome way to enhance financial education. Extremely helpful and insightful formats."

Testimonial #70: Ashutosh Kaduskar
"One of the best initiatives that provides outside with an exposure to hedge fund. I gained good knowledge about the various basics of the hedge fund through the reading materials."

Testimonial #71: Joseph Del Principe
"I enjoyed learning the information in the texts and materials. I have a new understanding of the complexities of the financial world. The test was challenging but fair"

Testimonial #72: Nick Asmus
"I found the program to be very helpful. I enjoyed studying and finding a reason to really comprehend and delve into numerous hedge fund concepts and materials. It also gave a good foundation of what things you "need to know" in the industry. "

Testimonial #73: Melissa Standstring
"I enjoyed the program. I work in the fund of funds industry on the operations side, so learng=ing about the different strategies has helped to make me a more knowledgeable emeber of our team."

Testimonial #74: James Klauzner
"Very good set of questions, does a good job of "probing" the general Alternative Investment field knowledge of the individual. I can see how this kind of certification would help the prospective employee and the hiring firm get a better idea of what each party is offering/getting in terms of the candidate's knowledge base."

Testimonial #75: Trent D'Ambrosio
"The test was very broad and covered a great deal of information I think it was a great baseline. I am most impressed with the selected reading I found it extremly valuable."

Testimonial #76: Jeremy McIntosh
"This has been a great experience. I enjoyed the required readings. I found the exam to cover the fundamentals of hedge fund investing."

Testimonial #77: Ashish Agarwal
"Good Program, thanks for creating it"

Testimonial #78: Lincoln Leung
"The CHP designation has greatly improved by investment knowledge on the hedge funds, fund of hedge funds, as well as individual varieties of financial instruments. It helped me both paving the way for future career development and improving my skills on personal investment/speculations in the financial markets."

Testimonial #79: Sanket Ajmera
"Excellent program."

Testimonial #80: Todd Hickman
"Great job. Thanks "

Testimonial #81: Herman Pretorious
"The CHP Designation Program opened a new level of understanding for me within this area."

Testimonial #82: Tilak Pati
"Its very detailed and requires depth of knowledge to complete."

Testimonial #83: Anthony Caramagno
"Positive Experience: "I found the self-study program to be very rewarding. It was a pleasure and very interesting to study and learn about the hedge fund industry. I feel enriched by this program."

Testimonial #84: Andrew Valerie
"Even as a 20 year financial services industry executive, I found the required reading materials extremely valuable and will continue to use the books as reference guides. I look forward to the next steps in the education process."

Testimonial #85: Jeffrey Hochman
"The learning process was very good, some of the examples within the readings were outdated but overall this was a high value program."

Testimonial #86: Nicholas Manciero
"Some of the questions were debatable, but overall a good exam."

Testimonial #87: Todd Fitzpatrick
"I found the program to be very useful and informative and feel like i have achieved my goal of gaining a good foundation in a very complex industry. "

Testimonial #88: Craig Ferguson
"I have learned a lot of general knowledge and am beginning to understand and feel comfortable with the hedge fund and general investment industry. I look forward to the Level 2 training. "

Testimonial #89: Mike Mitchelson
"This gives me a good feel to where I am, in the understanding of hedge funds...with all the information provided it is a good gage to see if I am ready for the next step and how much more I need to sharpen my knowledge."

Testimonial #90: Bum Joon Suh
"Thanks for the opportunity to complete this program."

Testimonial #91: Trent D'Ambrosio
"The test was very broad and covered a great deal of information I think it was a great baseline. I am most impressed with the selected reading I found it extremly valuable."

Testimonial #92: Kalyan Saripalli
"Very good experience."

Testimonial #93: Thomas Staskiewicz
"Great addition to the hedge fund community. This program provides further education and experience on career path in the industry."

Testimonial #94: Vivek Jain, FRM
"I have just completed the Level 2 Exam, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I have gained definitive insights and knowledge, and I would like to thank the entire CHP/HFG team! Again, thanks a lot. It was a great experience!"

Testimonial #95: Scott Valenti
"I have come significantly far in my venture thus far and a good deal has been due to your network and resources. Not being an MBA or having experience in the institutional side of the financial world (as my partner and trader/manager does), I found that you "pointing" me in the right direction has allowed me to learn a great deal in a small amount of time, specifically in regard to how to run the business of the future fund, which will be 100% my responsibility.  Thank you again and I look forward to gaining leverage from the distilled content of your program as I study."


Related to: Register for the CHP Designation

Tags: CHP Designation Program, Registering for the CHP Designation, Registration for Certified Hedge Fund Professional, what is the CHP Designation? who has completed the CHP Designation, CHP Designation Exam

Free Hedge Fund Career Webinar (Link Actually Works Now)

Free Hedge Fund Career Webinar


Hedge Fund CareerThe link below actually works now...


The Hedge Fund Group is offering a free Hedge Fund Career Webinar on Tuesday, January 12th from 12PM - 1PM EST.  The purpose of this webinar is to share tips on hedge fund networking, hedge fund resume creation, hedge fund career mistakes, and overlooked hedge fund career opportunities.

Our goal is to provide you with over $100 worth of free content within this one hour call - join us for the full hour or the 20-30 minutes you have free potentially during your lunch break this upcoming Tuesday. This webinar is limited to the first 1,000 participants on the call.
What: Hedge Fund Career Canalyst Webinar - Free advice on speeding up your hedge fund career
When: Tuesday January 12th from 12PM - 1PM EST
Cost: $0

Related to: Free Hedge Fund Career Webinar

Tags: Hedge fund career advice, hedge fund mentor, hedge fund career mentor, hedge fund resume feedback, hedge fund career tips, hedge fund career plan, hedge fund webinar, webinars on hedge funds

Free Hedge Fund Career Webinar

Free Hedge Fund Career Webinar


Hedge Fund CareerThe Hedge Fund Group is offering a free Hedge Fund Career Webinar on Tuesday, January 12th from 12PM - 1PM EST.  The purpose of this webinar is to share tips on hedge fund networking, hedge fund resume creation, hedge fund career mistakes, and overlooked hedge fund career opportunities.

Our goal is to provide you with over $100 worth of free content within this one hour call - join us for the full hour or the 20-30 minutes you have free potentially during your lunch break this upcoming Tuesday. This webinar is limited to the first 1,000 participants on the call.
What: Hedge Fund Career Canalyst Webinar - Free advice on speeding up your hedge fund career
When: Tuesday January 12th from 12PM - 1PM EST
Cost: $0

Related to: Free Hedge Fund Career Webinar

Tags: Hedge fund career advice, hedge fund mentor, hedge fund career mentor, hedge fund resume feedback, hedge fund career tips, hedge fund career plan, hedge fund webinar, webinars on hedge funds

Top 4 Hedge Fund Trends

Top 4 Hedge Fund Trends

Below is a short video discussing what I see as the top 4 trends affecting the hedge fund industry.  If you are viewing this message via email or rss please click here to watch the embedded video on our site now.






Tags: Trends affecting hedge fund managers, alternative investment trends, CTA fund trends, hedge fund trends, hedge funds trends

Hedge Fund Compensation Increasing

Hedge Fund Compensation Increasing

Survey Finds Compensation Rising at Hedge Funds


Pay has continued to rise at hedge funds for managers and staff, according to a recent survey.  Bonuses are increasing, despite 45% of the surveyed hedge funds reporting losses.  Another interesting finding is that back office salaries are not improving as much as front office compensation.  Those employees in the back office expect little to no increase in pay.

Last year's survey revealed an average salary of $300,000 and this year 28% of funds anticipate increases in overall compensation of at least 15% and 9% of respondents predict that their compensation will double over last year.  This increase in pay may be a sign that managers expect their funds to continue this rebound through 2010 or this is simply a reflection of hedge funds keeping compensation competitive with rival financial industries such as private equity or investment banks. 
Even in cases where funds did not perform well, hedge fund employees were paid handsomely. Some portfolio manager and trader bonuses in underperforming funds were as high as those working for funds that performed well.
“We expect, if a fund is successful, there is money to be made in down markets and the portfolio managers and traders drive that success,” says David Kochanek, publisher of Job Search Digest. “What investors don’t expect is large bonuses to be paid out when funds do not perform. We saw some of that this year, likely due to multi-year bonus guarantees.”

In some cases, base salaries have moved higher despite short tenure with the firm. In fact, 40% of respondents said they have worked for their current firm for less than two years and 27% said they moved from investment banking.  Source


Related Terms: Hedge Fund Compensation Increasing, Hedge Fund Compensation, Hedge fund salary, salaries, pay at hedge funds, management salaries, hedge funds compensation

Hedge Funds: The Importance of Investment Research vs. Investment Process

Investment Research vs. Process


Below is a short video which explains the importance of investment research vs. your overall investment process. The video also goes into how often a hedge fund investment research process should be adjusted compared to changing an investment process.  Many hedge fund managers step on their on toes by changing their own investment process too drastically - this video helps explain how your firm can be innovative and constantly improving without changing your whole outlook or investment process along the way.







Tags: hedge fund investment process, investment processes of hedge funds, hedge fund investment research, research on investments by hedge fund managers, marketing a hedge fund manager

SKAR Development Formula

SKAR Development Formula



There is a formula that I have used over the past 7 years to help me build my resume, career, and now my own small business, that is the SKAR Formula.  This is not a way to shortcut the hard work it takes to be successful, but rather a map as to where invest your energy to increase the results you get in return for your investment.


SKAR Development Formula

Specialized Knowledge + Authority positioning + tangible Results = huge growth opportunities and faster development within your career or business.



Definitions

Specialized Knowledge = Specific knowledge that is practical, functional and very niche specific to the area within you work or the skill or ability you rely on to perform well.  Specialized knowledge exists whether you are an airplane pilot, hedge fund analyst, or third party marketer.  The difference between having specialized knowledge or not could mean the difference between spending 18 months to complete a task or project or being able to development strong client relationships and complete the same task in just 3 months. It lets you identify more opportunities, move more quickly on them, and execute with efficiency when once multiplied over several years puts you within a different league of competition.  Some ideas on how you can further develop your specialized knowledge include:

  1. Read two books/month for the next two years on the area of specialized knowledge which is going to benefit your business or career most.  
  2. Subscribe to 3 of the best newsletters from blogs or experts in your industry which are NOT re-hashed press releases and garbage news. You learn close to nothing from reading the news - read insights, analyses and white papers within these newsletters instead.  There are at least 2-3 valuable free newsletters in each industry.
  3. Complete a niche training and certification program specific to your area of specialized knowledge.  Having a third party verify that you have obtained a certain level of specialized knowledge is ALWAYS  going to be more credible than, I like to read books and email newsletters, here is what I have read lately.  Seek out an online certification program and start one within 6 months, this will force you to read and learn more within your niche.
  4. Write one article a week on your thoughts, best practices, and lessons learned within your niche area of practice.  Write anonymously by creating a free blog at Blogger.com and start synthesizing what you are learning and combining other ideas to create your own original concepts (such as this blog post).


Authority Positioning = Creating structures around your firm or self so that your knowledge and abilities are communicated in a way that positions you as an authority in your niche area.  Ideally this area lines up 1-to-1 with your area of specialized knowledge and it can be the result of gathering this knowledge.  Two professionals can hold the same knowledge though, while one write 5 books and completes over 50 press interviews a year the other may be an arm chair critic with a small group of 5-7 consulting clients.  The more well positioned professional will reap rewards from new opportunities coming towards him instead of the other way around.  I was a competitive swimmer earlier in my life and the best book I read on swimming was called "Swimming Downhill" it was a way to swim so that your body is tilted forward and you literally cut continually downwards into the water.  If you get Authority Positioning right it will be like you are swimming downhill.  Jeffrey Gitomer is a great study of authority positioning, he started writing 8 pages a day when he was 46 years old, now in his fifties he has over 10 best selling books, and charges more than Colin Powell for speeches - the real important detail though is he NEVER cold calls anyone and never scrambles for new business.  His phone literally rings off the hook with new opportunities, clients, and join venture partnerships due to his positioning, he is swimming down a steep hill.

  1. Publish your own newsletter or blog - even if you only publish something once every 2 weeks, having it and building it over time is what is important.  
  2. Interview one professional each month for your own blog or newsletter, tell them that you can't compensate them but as your website becomes more popular they may get some exposure and they can have a copy of the recorded phone call transcript, Mp3 file or document which you type up.  Interviewing experts is a shortcut to gaining specialized knowledge and authority positioning quick.  Simply telling others that you have interviewed 20 of the top experts in the industry and overall you found A & B and most surprisingly C is very powerful.  Note, the strong you have fulfilled your work in building specialized knowledge the more willing these experts will be to connect with you and the more pointed and refined your questions will be.  Ever done an interview with a journalist who has never worked in your field? Not always fun or fulfilling to answer the basics which can be looked up on Google in 3 seconds.
  3. Take what you have written within your own newsletter or blog and self-publish a book, with 60-80 pages of single spaced text anyone can do this for $15 at Lulu.com.  Very simple, no more excuses that you do not have a book deal. I got my second big investment marketing contract partially because I had a self-published book in hand and someone gave me a chance based on my dedication to the niche.  The book positions you as an authority.
  4. Create a 1 page PDF list of all of your past clients. This can show depth, experience, and respect that others have given you by paying for your services and time in the past.
  5. Speak at conferences.  It is relatively easy to land speaking spots at conference, networking events and seminars.  Lots of professionals are looking for others with unique ideas and lessons to share, and again teaching what specialized knowledge you have gained helps you connect and synthesize these ideas.  If you are speaking to a crowd you are within an authority position and when you mention your speaking it adds credibility because others have stopped their business days and invested their valuable time to listen to what you had to say. 

Tangible Results: The importance of showing real tangible results cannot be over-stated.  Finding ways to do this within service businesses, the fund management industry, or within certain areas of extreme confidentiality is challenging.  Some types of tangible results that can be shared include:

  • An actual printed out version of part of the service or end result of the product or service
  • Video or text (not as good)  testimonials from past and current clients, the more specific to the immediate need or concern of your potential client or employer the better...the more numerous the testimonials the better.
  • The first 15-20% of the product or your service given away for free on a trial basis. $1 first month trial, 4 weeks of free work or time so we can prove our worth to you, etc.
  • Diverse and numerous case studies of past clients or employers, this proves that you work with firms with various needs and have found solutions for them, it allows the reader of these case studies to imagine you solving their problem
  • A little tip, quick take away or lesson within your sales letter or website which provides the potential client with immediate benefit. This proves that you have the goods, are an authority and do have their best interests in mind.
Another related topic that I don't have space to go into here is that underlying all three of these items are having the right habits.  Habits have been shown to form 96% of what we do every single day.  We tend to eat the same things, walk the same way, watch the same shows, and read the same types of books. As the quote goes, "first you form your habits, and then your habits form you." What business habits are you forming? What elements of the SKAR formula are you using each week?  When you read this type of advice are you thinking "I already know this stuff" or "how good am I at that, and where could I improve?" 

How to Create a Hedge Fund Resume


How to Create a Hedge Fund Resume


I did a quick interview with a WSJ sponsored career website called Fins a few weeks ago on how to write a solid resume for the hedge fund industry.  I haven't published much here on hedge fund careers lately so I though this resume building piece may be helpful to some, here is an excerpt and link:
Getting your resume to the top of the pile at a hedge fund can be tricky -- many are small elite firms that see a slew of top candidates. But taking the time to perfect your resume can yield great rewards. For one, there are fewer gatekeepers at hedge funds. Hedge fund firms are sometimes only a handful of employees, so your resume can potentially grab the attention of a hiring manager right away, says Richard Wilson, a hedge fund trainer and consultant who is the president of the Hedge Fund Group, a professional trade association.
Below are a few tips to help you craft that perfect hedge fund resume. Also, check out an example of the perfect hedge fund resume, before and after.
Customization
With so many different hedge funds employing various investing strategies (and focusing on specific areas), it's important to find out exactly how you can apply your skills. For example, if you're applying to a biotech-focused hedge fund, highlight your science degree or specific experience in the field. If one hedge fund uses shorting make sure to point out your own shorting experience in a resume. Don't use broad terms in hopes of not alienating potential employers, says Barry Emen, founder of MJE Advisors, a recruiting firm in Florham Park, N.J., who works with hedge funds. "Go after the niche you're in -- you can't just decide that you'll do anything for anyone," says Emen.
Highlight Designations
Even if you don't have a top-tier MBA, designations like the Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Hedge Fund Professional can help your resume standout. The certifications help show that you're motivated to work in hedge funds and that you are eager to keep learning and can do so easily. source


Tags: How to create a hedge fund resume, hedge fund resume examples, how to write a hedge fund resume, how to write a resume for the hedge fund industry, hedge fund manager resumes

Boston Hedge Fund Networking Event Thursday 10.29.09

Boston Hedge Fund Event




Our next networking event is coming up quickly, this Thursday we are hosting 3 speakers for short 15 minute discussions on hedge fund compliance, capital raising strategies, and pending regulations.  We will then have 1 hour and 15 minutes of open networking time with food and drinks provided to attendees.


What: Hedge Fund Group and Hedge Fund Premium are hosting a seminar networking event in downtown Boston.

When: Thursday October 29th, 2009 6-8PM EST

Location:  U Mass Club in downtown Boston at 225 Franklin Street, 33rd Floor Boston, MA 02110.

Sponsors:  Malik Law Group & Armor Compliance

Entrance Fee: Waived, our sponsors have covered the costs of this event and not entrance fee will be required for this Boston event.

Speakers:

Tanya L. Goins, Malik Law Group:  Harvard Alumna, Tanya L. Goins, Esq., of Malik Law Group comes back to Boston to speak about recent regulatory and industry developments affecting hedge fund managers.



Richard Wilson, Hedge Fund Group:  Richard will speak about copywriting capital raising, how fund 
managers can write more effective sales letters and improve their email marketing.



Douglas F. MacLean, Armor Compliance:   Douglas will speak about the Private Fund Investment Advisers Registration Act of 2009, which will soon require hedge fund managers managing more than $30 million to register under the Investment Advisers Act, appoint a chief compliance officer and implement a compliance manual.


Tags: Boston hedge fund premium event, hedge fund premium event in Boston, hedge fund networking events in Boston MA, Boston hedge fund manager networking