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TOOLS & DATA

A Student’s Research Toolkit

A practical workflow for finding, testing and organizing financial information.

0611 MIN READ
LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Build a repeatable research process using primary sources, structured notes and transparent evidence.

01

Start with primary sources

Begin with company filings, investor-relations materials, earnings calls and regulator databases. Use news and commentary to identify questions, then verify important claims at the source.

02

Build a source hierarchy

Not every source deserves the same confidence.

  • Tier 1: audited filings and official data
  • Tier 2: company releases and transcripts
  • Tier 3: reputable reporting and industry research
  • Tier 4: commentary, social media and unverified claims
03

Keep an evidence log

For every important figure, save the source, date, link and your interpretation. This makes updates faster and allows teammates or judges to reproduce the work.

04

Use AI with verification

AI can help summarize, organize and challenge assumptions, but it can invent facts or lose context. Never submit a number, quotation or source link that you have not opened and verified yourself.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Build a research workspace

  1. 01Create sections for business, industry, financials, valuation and risks.
  2. 02Add one primary source to each section.
  3. 03Record the date and direct link for every source.
  4. 04Write three unanswered questions for the next research session.
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