CAIA for a Hedge fund career

My aim is to get into a hedge fund research/analyst.

I will complete a year in Funds management / Buy side, and have a master in business that is not widely known outside my country. (Although it was good enough for my current employer, an IB just-outside-the-BB, to come overseas and recruit me). I have a comp sci education and work experience before the mba.

Hence my question is: 1. With my background can I get into a decent hedge fund? Will CAIA get me closer? 2. Please let me know if you know some one in Sydney giving the CAIA. 3. I intend to follow the study guide and prescribed textbooks. I am not too keen on signing up for 3rd party supplementary material. Any thoughts on this?

It’s June and I still have not started studying, hence I am not sure if I will take Level 1 in Sep-08.

I have looked at the CAIA curriculum, previous posts and other google searches. I am convinced with the curriculum, and the hedge fund career. If nothing else then I want to take the plunge just for the knowledge.

Appreciate any responses.