About Us
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Our Story
Survival Guide was born from a simple realisation: succeeding in a demanding profession requires more than textbooks and theoretical know-how. Founders and Chartered Accountants André Klopper and Calvin de Bruin first crossed paths in high school, bonding over a shared passion for entrepreneurship. As they progressed through their respective studies and career paths, they saw a pressing need for practical, experience-based support, the kind that they themselves often had wished for themselves.
The Survival Guide Series was started with the Articles Survival Guide – the journey to becoming a CA(SA). Since then, the Survival Guide has evolved into an ever-growing platform serving other demanding fi elds, including law. This will continue to grow.
From day one, our vision has remained the same: to bridge the gap between academic theory and the everyday, real-world challenges that young professionals face.
Our Mission & Vision
Meet the Founders
Hover over each image to learn more about our founders.
André Klopper CA(SA)
Growing up, André was drawn to entrepreneurial ventures and the power of mentorship. After completing his articles at a Big 4 firm while also juggling a Master’s degree, he saw firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain work-life balance and mental well-being during professional training. His experiences sparked a desire to create something more than just another book of tips; he wanted a holistic support system that trainees could genuinely rely on. By co-founding Survival Guide, André channels his passion for solution-driven entrepreneurship and community-building, helping new professionals navigate the same hurdles he once faced.
Calvin de Bruin CA(SA)
An avid problem-solver with a flair for corporate finance and tech-driven solutions, Calvin noticed how isolating the journey to CA(SA) can be. Balancing day-to-day responsibilities at a mid-tier firm, entrepreneurial endeavours, and eventually his role as Commercial Director of a ground-breaking start-up, he understood the practical struggles that trainees often face. Co-founding Survival Guide allowed Calvin to translate his experiences into a comprehensive resource, one that addresses real-world challenges, from burnout and time management to building professional networks.
Our Approach
At Survival Guide, we believe in practical, empathy-driven guidance. Instead of bombarding you with jargon and theory, we present relatable, real-world strategies you can use immediately.
By blending personal narratives, hard-won lessons, and a mindset rooted in mentorship, we hope to:
- Reduce Isolation: No one should feel alone in the demanding journey of articles or pupillage.
- Build Confidence: We focus on actionable tips that help you excel in your role and remain resilient under pressure.
- Inspire Growth: We see these tough years as a launchpad for long-term career success, not just a hurdle to get over.
Why We Do This
André and Calvin both realised that behind every exam, project deadline, or late-night work session is a human story, one filled with anxiety, triumph, self-doubt, and growth. While technical skills are important, having a supportive ecosystem matters just as much. By sharing candid insights, tested strategies, and a sense of camaraderie, they aim to bridge the gap between survival mode and genuine success. Through books, talks, and community initiatives, the Survival Guide brand continues to offer encouragement and a sense of belonging to professionals in Accounting, Law, and beyond.
Join Our Community
Whether you’re a student gearing up for a tough academic year, a trainee balancing firm deadlines, or a sponsor looking to support the next wave of professionals, we invite you to explore our Survival Guide resources. Together, we can transform the most demanding phases of professional training into milestones for growth, innovation, and success.