Hey everyone, I’ve been a CFA charterholder for a while now. I’ve worked in different finance areas, including equity research. Today I had a job interview and it got me thinking.
The interviewers asked about CAPM. No problem there, I explained it easily. But then they asked how leverage affects Beta. I drew a blank! I knew I learned it in Level 1, but that was ages ago.
It made me wonder: do other CFA members still remember all the small details from the exams? If you do, what’s your secret? How do you keep all that info fresh in your mind after years have passed?
I’m curious to hear your experiences. Do you find yourself forgetting stuff too, or have you found ways to keep it all locked in? Let me know!
I can relate to your experience, Emma. It’s natural for some of the exam material to fade over time, especially the more intricate details. In my case, I’ve found that regular engagement with industry publications and attending professional development seminars helps keep key concepts fresh. However, I’ll admit that some specifics, like the exact relationship between leverage and Beta, can slip through the cracks.
One strategy I’ve adopted is maintaining a personal finance wiki where I jot down important concepts and formulas. It serves as a quick reference when needed. That said, I believe the true value of the CFA program lies in developing a comprehensive understanding of finance rather than memorizing every detail. Most employers appreciate the ability to grasp big-picture concepts and know where to find specific information when required.
hey emma, i totally get where ur coming from. its been years since i took the exams and tbh a lot of the nitty-gritty details have faded. i try to review key concepts occasionally but real-world experience tends to stick better than textbook stuff. dont sweat it too much, most employers care more about how u apply knowledge than memorizing formulas
Hey Emma, your post really struck a chord with me! 
I’ve been there too, drawing a blank on exam material during interviews. It’s kinda funny how our brains work, right?
You know what I’ve found helps? Staying curious and asking questions, just like you’re doing now! I try to connect with other finance pros regularly, pick their brains about different concepts. It’s amazing how much you can learn (and remember) through casual chats.
But here’s what I’m really wondering - how often do you actually use stuff like the leverage-Beta relationship in your day-to-day work? Do you think it’s worth stressing over these super-specific details? Or is it more about understanding the big picture?
Anyone else here have cool tricks for keeping their CFA knowledge fresh? I’d love to hear some creative ideas! Maybe we could start a study group or something? 
What do you all think?