I discovered CAIA in the signature of a client in my first corporate job in 2014. I was curious and Googled the term, and immediately knew this was something I wanted to pursue. At the beginning of my career and with a love for learning, I felt it would be wise to build as strong a base as possible.
Always preferring the alternative way, I took on the challenge. I remember studying while juggling a full-time job and independent consultancy work. It wasn’t easy, but I eventually passed the tests and gained substantial knowledge, which was invaluable when I switched jobs midway through my studies. I joined a new consultancy and placement agent firm as the youngest and least experienced team member, but well equipped with tools to quickly adapt and contribute in a challenging environment. The skills I gained proved essential in engaging with globally renowned alternative investment fund managers.
Earning my CAIA designation provided me with a solid foundation and a comprehensive knowledge base that has been instrumental to my career growth. It deepened my understanding of alternative investments and the broader investment landscape, giving me greater insight into my work. Most importantly, it allowed me to get more out of my professional experience by enhancing my perspective.
If I had to sum up the most important benefit of the CAIA designation, it would be that it grants its members a high-resolution picture of the alternative investment industry, as every part comes into place. This comprehensive understanding brings numerous benefits, including the ability to make smarter career choices.
Sometimes I attend CAIA meetings in places around the world. It’s a great way to meet new people. Whenever I travel, I check to see if there is a CAIA gathering in the area or if there’s a member I’d like to meet. Belonging to a global professional organization like CAIA offers value through its expansive network of industry professionals. It fosters a sense of community and collaboration and provides access to cutting-edge research and continuous learning opportunities, which is the part I love most. I’m always open to meeting new people and providing help whenever I can.
My advice to aspiring industry professionals is simple: stay curious, keep learning, and question the status quo. The investment industry is always evolving, and staying ahead means embracing lifelong learning. Take time to network, seek mentorship, and explore new ideas with an open mind. Above all, maintain a strong ethical foundation. It makes life simpler.
About Tom Pickel, CAIA, FDP
Tom Pickel combines investment expertise with programming and data to reimagine investment management. As the founder and CEO of Souppe, he leads an innovative platform that transforms how investors build and manage portfolios. Powered by advanced portfolio optimization algorithms, Souppe ensures a balanced dispersion of systematic risks, empowering investors to create robust and resilient portfolios.
Souppe features a visually intuitive platform that simplifies portfolio management with cutting-edge innovations such as smart suggestions, intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, sandbox portfolio creation, and real-time position indicators. Serving as a decision-support system, Souppe allows investors to maintain full autonomy over their portfolios while benefiting from its innovative suggestion system, which efficiently manages risk exposure and fosters causal diversification with ease.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Tom is a dedicated writer. Through his website, pickel.io, he explores topics such as alternative investments, portfolio management and asset valuation, offering insights into the complexities of investing in the Information Age. His writing reflects a commitment to deepening understanding and sharing knowledge with the broader investment community.
A CAIA Member since 2017, Tom brings a unique blend of expertise and creativity to the investment industry.