Student of the week // Thomas RIGAL
Thomas RIGAL
24 years old
Originally from: Béziers
Living in Montpellier for 7 years
Master's degree in Business Law and Taxation – DJCE
Passions? Hobbies?
I have always been a sports fan, especially rugby, and I juggle my studies with this passion. While I also enjoy traveling abroad, I must admit that letting off steam from time to time on the field or elsewhere is essential to my well-being.
Your project?
I am currently studying for a Master's degree in Business Law and Taxation – DJCE at the Faculty of Law in Montpellier. I previously completed a Master's degree in Notarial Law for the 2015-2016 academic year. At the end of this year, I will complete a two-year internship at a notary office specializing in business law in order to obtain the Higher Diploma in Notarial Law (DSN).
The aim is to combine the areas of business law that I am particularly interested in, namely taxation and corporate law, with notarial law. Originally, notaries were the true scribes of society. Gradually, lawyers took over business law. My goal is, of course, to progress and contribute to this area of notarial law, which is business law, in order to best represent the diversity of skills in this profession.
You were a holder of a High-Level Athlete Agreement from 2010 to 2013. Can you tell us which sport?
Yes, I was a high-level rugby player for most of my time at university. I played for Béziers (ASBH) from 2005 to 2010, then Montpellier (MHRC) from 2011 to 2013.
How did you manage to balance your studies and your status as an athlete?
Balancing university studies and sports is not easy. Practicing a sport at a high level requires a personal commitment that often conflicts with university studies. It is important to set a schedule that best reconciles the two activities. Although there is a national agreement for high-level athletes, I must admit that not all faculties are equipped to accommodate these athletes. We are a long way from the American system! You are often on your own, and the question of choosing between an academic career OR a sporting career is a constant one. The agreement for high-level athletes at the Montpellier Faculty of Law is purely formal. My status as an athlete played tricks on me during my bachelor's degree. Fortunately, the Montpellier Law School has some professors whom I am grateful to today and who supported me enormously, which allowed me to continue to progress.
Did you give up your sports career for law?
While it is possible to balance sports and studies, it becomes more difficult when aiming for master's programs that only accept students based on their academic record and national selection. I couldn't compete with students who were 100% committed to getting the master's degree of their choice, or with young elite athletes who had been 300% committed for years to becoming professionals. So I opted for an exclusively academic path in Master's 1, which paid off. Although I felt a little restless during my year in the lecture hall, today I don't regret my choice.
A typical day for you?
Faculty during the day! And Philipides or the gym after class, before meeting up with some friends for a drink.
Your favorite place at the university?
I'm torn between Richter's library, where I spent a lot of time, and my Master 2 classroom at the law school, where I had, and continue to have, some unforgettable moments on a human level.
What is your favorite place in Montpellier?
Without a doubt, the city center, which is extremely dynamic. Whether it's Monday or Sunday, noon or midnight, there are always people out on the streets, and it's nice to see that Montpellier is a city that belongs to young people.
Thank you very much, Thomas, for answering our questions. We wish you every success for what promises to be a challenging year!
Witness appeal
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