Preparing an investment thesis is a fantastic way to stand out in an investment management job interview. It demonstrates your curiosity, analytical skills, passion and understanding of markets and investment strategies, and it's a great way for you to confirm this is the career path for you.

Here are some general steps for preparing an investment thesis:

• Identify a trend or catalyst: This is something happening in the external environment that is likely to increase asset values eg end of lockdowns in China is expected to increase demand for luxury goods, shift to hybrid working drives value in athleisure brands or a change in government signals increased investment in renewables.
• Research the company or industry: Explore companies or industries that provide exposure to that trend, and analyse the companies best placed to capture market demand. Take a deep dive into the company's financial statements, competitors, industry trends, and other relevant information.
• Build the valuation model: Determine the potential future value of the investment using a range of valuation methodologies eg discounted cashflow.
• Additional analysis: Compliment your quantitative analysis with qualitative insights such as business quality, risks and analysis of the company in the context of its industry, including a PORTER analysis
• Define your investment thesis: Define your investment thesis. Your thesis should clearly state why you believe the investment will be profitable and how you plan to capitalise on the opportunity.
• Summarise your investment thesis: Finally, summarise your investment thesis in a clear and concise statement. This statement should outline the investment opportunity, your investment thesis, and the potential risks associated with the investment.

Check out this great step-by-step guide to writing your investment thesis from The Motley Fool.