The Students Support Services Office under UKZN’s College of Law and Management hosted Accounting Professions Day and Law Professions Day, two career-focused events aimed at bridging the gap between students and industry professionals.
The events took place on the Westville, Pietermaritzburg and Howard College campuses where students got the opportunity to gain career insights, and explore employment opportunities. These annual events are a key part of UKZN’s commitment to equipping students with first-hand knowledge and networks they need to transition from university to the professional world.
Accounting Professions Day was aimed at students pursuing careers in chartered accountancy, financial management, auditing, and taxation, while Law Professions Day focused on those aspiring to join the legal profession, in various roles including attorneys, advocates, corporate legal advisors, and government legal practitioners.
Representatives from major accounting firms PWC, EY, KPMG, Investec Private bank, SAICA, Deloitte and others attended Accounting Professions Day, sharing insights on career growth, professional development, and the evolving landscape of the accounting sector. Similarly, Law Professions Day attracted firms such as The Legal Practice Council, Garlicke and Bousfield, Bowmans, ProBono.Org, Webber Wentzel, Black Lawyers Association and many more.
Students had the chance to ask questions, seek career advice, and even explore internship and graduate programme opportunities. Many firms also provided information on the qualifications and skills needed to succeed in their respective industries.
Speaking about the significance of the events the Dean and Head of School of Law, Professor Freddy Mnyongani, said: ‘Such engagements are crucial for preparing students for the workforce. By connecting them with professionals, UKZN ensures that students are well-informed about the realities of their chosen careers and the steps they need to take to excel in their fields.’
For many students, the experience was eye-opening, providing clarity on career paths, networking opportunities, and potential job prospects. A third-year Bachelor of Law student, Ms Ayanda Khoza, said, ‘I attended this event with the aim of gaining knowledge of when I can apply for my articles but I ended up gaining more important information than I had expected. The field of Law is so much broader than I thought.’
The events also underscored the importance of soft skills, continuous learning, and professional development in achieving long-term career success.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini