Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) graduate and student Amy Wallace has found the recipe to academic excellence – discipline, time management and consistency.

Wallace graduated with a BCom in Investment Management during the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) autumn graduation season, where she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Award for outstanding academic performance.

Among her academic achievements this year was being part of a select number of graduates on the EMS Dean’s List, which recognises the academic excellence of students during the 2024 academic year.

Sharing her recipe for success, she says a structured academic plan, which included physical activity and personal time, was integral to her success. She cultivated good time management and planning during her studies, habits which led to sustainable academic achievements.

“Time management has become such an integral part of my life that it now feels second nature, and it has allowed me to succeed academically, while also maintaining balance in other areas of life. Preparing in advance and starting to study long before exams approached allowed me to absorb material at a steady pace without the pressure of cramming.”

She acknowledges that, while the pursuit of academic excellence can be distressing for many students, for her, maintaining a healthy balance helped to effectively manage academic stress. This balance was the result of proactive academic planning.

Currently studying towards a BCom Honours specialising in Investment Management at UP, this aspirant financial analyst pursued postgraduate studies to expand on the knowledge gained in her undergraduate studies and sharpen her analytical mind.

“Continuous learning has always been very important to me, and I saw this qualification as an opportunity to build on my foundation in finance, especially from a more advanced and technical perspective,” she says.

Wallace, who describes herself as an analytical individual, aspires to build a thriving career as a highly respected investment analyst, known for her technical expertise, disciplined research, and ability to generate insightful, data-driven recommendations. Her aspirations are driven by a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in society.

“I want to make a meaningful impact in the investment world, whether that is through asset management, equity research, or financial strategy. My goal is not only to succeed in the field, but also to continuously grow and evolve alongside it,” she says.

Her tip for academic success to fellow students: “Academic success does not mean sacrificing everything else; it is about finding a rhythm that works for you and sticking to it with discipline. Do not wait until the deadline is near or an exam is a week away. Begin your work with intention and consistency, and you will find that confidence replaces anxiety.”