By: Tokologo Lekoma

Several past and present students can attest that being part of the Law Faculty is undoubtedly a rigorous journey, but it is also gratifying and filled with growth. Despite the rainy weather, the Rhodes University Law Faculty still managed to host its annual "Market Day" on Friday, 14th March. The gazebo was packed to the brim, alive with the energy of young, ambitious minds eager as ever. St Peter's Lawn offered a scenic landscape bustling with students taking every opportunity to network with potential employers, mingle with their peers, and get a taste of what their futures would look like.

Sponsored by esteemed law firms Adams & Adams and Bowmans, respectively, other companies, such as ENS Africa, Baker McKenzie, Legal Aid, Smith Tabata Attorneys and PPC, were also in attendance. Student representatives from Rhodes University were stationed at each company's booth to provide further insights into the company's ethos, mission, and culture. One student, Chiar Ramasamy, a third-year LLB student, said, "I'm really excited about the Market Day and excited to see all the firms here and get a feel of what my future is going to look like. It's going to be amazing." Toward the end of the event, the faculty held a short prize-giving ceremony to reward top students from each year. Associate Professor and Deputy Dean of the Law Faculty Helena van Coller praised all the students present for their hard work and dedication. She said, "Hopefully, next year when we stand here again, we'll have piles and piles of more certificates to hand out."

Some students helped set up company bannisters and booths, while others awaited outside the faculty library. There were information sessions from various firm representatives, and the event also allowed students to participate in 30-minute mock interviews. The law faculty encouraged students to be proactive before and after graduation to have a leg up in an increasingly competitive environment. Moreover, speaking directly to recruiters early helps raise their hopes of securing vacation work for the upcoming term and semester breaks.

In her address to the student body, Bowmans Law Firm Partner and Rhodes University alumna Ms Kabwela Chisaka said, "Don't do it for anyone else." Chisaka encouraged students to chase their dreams even if they were scary and even if people around them disagreed. She went on to say, "What does success look like for you? Decide what it looks like for you, regardless of whether you've got supporters, doubters, haters, etc." By the looks on everyone's faces, it seemed that Ms Kabwela Chisaka positively impacted many students. With the award ceremony over, students and guests were invited to share lunch and continue the festivities. Overall, the atmosphere showcased a successful event and a fruitful new beginning for many students.