The North-West University’s (NWU’s) South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) student chapter and Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences student academic chapter, in partnership with the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, recently hosted a successful and impactful Exam Preparation event.

This initiative was aimed at empowering students with practical academic tools, strategies and motivation ahead of examinations.

The event brought together distinguished speakers from various academic and professional backgrounds who shared valuable insights on examination readiness, study techniques, resilience, entrepreneurship, mentorship and personal development.

Organised by Kholiswa Mogoeng, lecturer in the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, the event sought to equip students with the confidence and resilience needed to approach examinations positively and strategically.

Speaking on the purpose of the event, Kholiswa highlighted the importance of reminding students that their backgrounds and challenges should not limit their potential but rather motivate them to strive for success.

The programme also aimed to encourage students to understand that academic setbacks do not define intelligence, but instead form part of the learning journey and provide opportunities for growth, reflection and improvement.

Student academic adviser Lucky Bogatsu focused on the importance of effective memorisation and recall techniques. He encouraged students to move beyond cramming and instead prioritise understanding concepts, practising active recall and revising consistently.

He emphasised that repetition, self-testing and reviewing information over time are effective strategies for improving memory retention and recall during examinations. “Preparation is not only about studying harder, but about studying smarter through planning, consistency and discipline.”

Lucky also reassured students that success is achievable through focus, perseverance and self-belief.

Refiloe Thoote, THOLO PAC manager at Tholo Residence, addressed the mindset students often have toward studying. She explained that many students perceive studying as stressful and burdensome, which can increase anxiety and negatively affect academic preparation.

She encouraged students to shift their mindset and begin viewing studying as an opportunity for growth, self-development and future success. “Studying should not be seen as punishment, but as an investment in your future,” she said.

Refiloe further reminded students that every small effort contributes toward achieving long-term goals and encouraged them to remain determined throughout their academic journeys.

Dr Deborah Mokgojwa, senior lecturer in the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, spoke about the importance of exam readiness as a foundation for academic success.

She highlighted that proper preparation involves more than last-minute studying and requires effective planning, time management, understanding course content, and mental readiness.

“Preparation creates opportunity,” Dr Mokgojwa said. She encouraged students to trust the effort they have invested and to approach examinations with confidence and composure.

Senior lecturer in learner support Dr Rosa Modiba delivered a presentation titled “Turning Examination Stress into Thriving Habits”. She explained that examination stress should not always be viewed negatively, but rather as an opportunity to build healthy and productive habits.

Dr Modiba encouraged students to develop structured routines, maintain balance through rest and self-care, and practise consistency in their academic preparation.

“Managing stress is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them in ways that strengthen discipline and resilience,” she said.

She further reminded students that small daily habits have the power to produce remarkable long-term results.

Adding an entrepreneurial perspective to the event, Joel “Patrao” Khoele, a young entrepreneur and alumnus of the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Life, My Truth”.

Joel shared his personal journey of transforming a hobby into a successful business and encouraged students to discover their strengths and develop their talents into meaningful opportunities.

He also emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in addressing unemployment challenges in South Africa and urged students to consider creating opportunities for themselves and others through innovation and creativity.

“Every student has unique potential. Once you discover what you are good at, nurture it and turn it into gold,” he said.

Joel also highlighted the value of mentorship, encouraging students to seek guidance from individuals who can positively shape their personal and professional growth.

Special appreciation was extended to Lebone Tlhagiso for serving as programme director and ensuring the smooth facilitation of the event.

Acknowledgement was also given to the organising team and colleagues whose dedication contributed to the success of the programme, including Tshiamo Tsotetsi, Amber Huckle, Gomolemo Tsubane, Seabo Lekaba, Refentse Bodigelo, Sibongile Mlambo and Siboniso Nkosi.

The event served as a powerful reminder that academic success is built through preparation, discipline, resilience, mentorship and self-belief.