A large percentage of candidates are already in the industry, the certification isn't for career development, more so a recognition that they've reached a competence level certified by a third party. The candidates are by and large from the administrative, operations, analyst area of fund of funds, pension consultants, firms that invest in hedge funds. Marketing positions with funds generally depend on whether or not you can bring a book of contacts, have a verifiable track record of monies raised for an entity, entry level marketing positions aren't executive search positions. Trader positions are generally recruited positions, by headhunters; again a verifiable track record of running money for a reputable entity, etc. Basically, friend, there is no real meal ticket in obtaining a position thru a degree or certificate. It wont hurt but it is no guarantee. The upside might be you get into an organization, and thru determination and ability you get to move laterally within that entity into an area that best matches your strengths and abilities. We are probably not far away from the business school degree factories churning out the 'hedge fund MBA programs', we'll know the asset class has matured when that occurs.