For this edition of Calculated Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Cornelie Crous CA(SA), a researcher at the University of the Free State Business School. With experience spanning higher education, auditing, and corporate governance, she’s seen firsthand how academic success and career preparation go hand in hand. In this conversation, she shares valuable advice on balancing studies, career goals, and personal well-being.

Here’s our conversation:

1. From your experience, what’s the most important piece of advice for students trying to excel academically while also preparing for their careers?

The most important advice I have for students is to be on the lookout for any opportunity to engage with industry experts in their chosen career. More importantly, also engage with experts in industries outside your career. The broader your exposure to different viewpoints, opinions, and voices while studying will assist students not only in building powerful networks but also in understanding where their academic endeavors fit into the real world and a larger community.

In terms of academic achievement, it is important to enjoy what you do. That includes enjoying what you learn and trying to fit it into your everyday life. Make it practical and fun!

2. How do you recommend students use tools like Excel (or other resources) to maximize productivity and build skills for their future careers?

Excel is a very powerful tool to use for anyone. For students, it can not only assist them in managing their own finances, but it can also assist in the automation of processes, planning, and project tracking. The integration of Excel with other tools such as Word, AI, etc., is making it very powerful for students to take notes, link different sources, keep track of progress, and even allow students to develop critical thinking skills that are necessary to survive in a fast-paced digital world.

3. With your expertise in strategic planning, what advice do you have for young people in high school or university about managing their time and setting goals?

My main advice is to have a plan: a short-, medium-, and long-term plan. Visualizing your end goal is very powerful. Find someone who already has the qualification that you want, ask them to “borrow” their certificate, make a copy of it, and write your name on the certificate with your planned date for when you want to achieve/complete that qualification. Put that up in a place where you can see it every day to serve as motivation.

For managing time, do not try to do everything at once. Eat the elephant bit by bit. Small steps are also progress. It is also important not to take feedback or criticism personally. Remember, you are a work in progress. If you already knew everything, you would not need additional training.

Also, be cognizant of the fact that life happens. There will be curveballs, and there will be changes that you did not foresee. The important thing is to adapt and move on. Do not wallow in the change that happened. Take it for what it is—a normal part of life. Take what you can from the change, and use it to your benefit. More often than not, unforeseen changes and events bring the most opportunities and guide you to a better future than the one you envisioned.

4. How do you personally balance the demands of an academic career with the need for rest and personal well-being?

Balancing work and play is crucial for a successful career. I remind myself that if something were to happen to me today, my employer will replace me tomorrow. My family will not be able to replace me tomorrow.

You need to have a hobby (at least one) that allows you to get yourself out of your mind and that can satisfy your curiosity. Find that one thing that can make you forget about work. You need to develop your play skills just as much as you need to develop your professional skills. Learn to play while you are still working and building your career so that you can recharge your energy and so that you are not caught off guard one day by wondering what happened to your life and where you went wrong. Work hard and play hard.

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Final Thoughts

Dr. Crous reminds us that success isn’t just about academic or professional achievements. It’s about staying curious, engaged, and balanced. Her insights on industry networking, skill-building, and time management are a must-hear for anyone looking to navigate their studies and career with confidence.

A huge thank you to Dr. Crous for sharing her time and wisdom! I highly recommend exploring her work on auditing, corporate governance, and her efforts in higher education.

What are your thoughts on her advice? How do you balance your academic and personal life? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!