Name:  Anastasia Tolstoukhova
Hometown: Tyumen, Western Siberia, Russia
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Event Management 

“I loved the people and the high-quality education at ICMS.  In my home country, universities are more theoretical and as a student you are not always encouraged to say what you think.  This is the complete opposite of ICMS where the theoretical is combined with the practical experience of lecturers and industry training.â€�

Anastasia was initially interested in pursuing a degree in hotel management until she came upon the College website and found the event management program.  A degree in event management was a good fit for Anastasia who is people person and likes the variety and opportunity within the event industry.  During her nine months of paid Industry Training, Anastasia worked as an Event Coordinator, planning the annual Charity Yachting Regatta on Sydney Harbour.  Anastasia plans to work in Sydney for the next few years and eventually open her own business.  She also speaks English, Russian and German fluently. 

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Name:  Anika Haigh
Hometown: Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Event Management

 â€œI chose the event industry because it’s fast paced and always exciting.  I decided to study at ICMS because I love the small college environment and the focus on a balance between study and experience.â€�

Anika spent a year working in London in for a catering company before starting her ICMS degree. While she enjoyed the variety of her workday, covering everything from exhibits to festivals, she was ready to expand her knowledge base with a business-focused degree.  Anika is also Residential Assistant (RA) and an active SRC member, serving as Event Manager last term.  After graduation, Anika would like to find a role in corporate event management. 

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Name:  Beverley Ditima
Hometown: Zimbabwe
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management

“I knew that I wanted to study at the best university for my area of study.  Around the world ICMS has a great reputation for being the best place to study hospitality management, so the decision was easy. The great location of the College was a plus too.â€�

Beverley knew that her passion for meeting new people, making them smile and travelling would be well-served within the in the hospitality management industry.  When Beverley is not studying, she works as an Assistant in the College’s Courtyard Cafe (CYC).  Beverley was also selected to be a Residential Assistant at the College, ensuring on-campus student safety and providing emotional support and guidance to her residants.  For paid Industry Training, Beverley will be working at the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast as a Food and Beverage Attendant.  One day Beverley would like to open her own bed and breakfast. 

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Name:  Blake Jeffrey
Hometown: Toronto, Canada and Australia 
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management 

 â€œIn the hospitality industry days are never the same.  While I was on Industry Training, I learned the importance of knowing how all levels of a five-star hotel operate.  Even if I decide to specialise in just one area, I have a solid knowledge base to take with me wherever I go.  IT allowed me to put all of the skills that I learned in the classroom to use.â€�

It is no wonder that the international makeup of the ICMS study body appealed to Blake.  With an Australian mother and a Canadian father, Blake was travelling the world at an early age.  Blake worked within the hospitality industry before choosing ICMS for its study abroad programs and long-standing industry connections.  After graduation, he plans to move to Canada and work in five-star hotels.  

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Name: Carmen Lam
Hometown:  Perak, Malaysia
Program:  Master of International Business

“The ICMS coursework and program structure was more relevant and practical when compared to other programs.  Career wise it was the best choice for me.  The small class sizes, interactive teaching style and professional dress made me feel like a working professional from day one.â€�

Carmen completed her Bachelor of Business Administration at ICMS before enrolling in the master’s program.  When she is not studying, Carmen works at Next Byte, one of Australia’s leading computer resellers where she has worked for the last four years as a sales consultant.   Carmen was the Team Leader for the recent ICMS graduate group who won the 2009 Asia Pacific Google Online Marketing Challenge, including an all-inclusive trip to Beijing, China and a visit to Google’s Beijing-based offices. 

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Name:  Claire Maraon
Hometown: Davao, Philippines  
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management

“I love studying at ICMS because there are students from everywhere.  There is also a high quality of instruction and learning at the College.â€�

Claire decided to attend ICMS after reading about the College on the internet and receiving good word-of-mouth feedback from former students.  Claire has a base knowledge of business through her work in a sales role at a department store in the Philippines and her work in her family business.   Claire plans to complete her paid Industry Training in Sydney and hopes to one day work in the Food and Beverage Department of a hotel, eventually owning her own restaurant or coffee shop. 

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Name:  Danny Kim
Hometown: South Korea 
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management 

 â€œThe BPP improved my English and communication skills.  By the time I started my Bachelor’s degree, I was confident in my abilities and prepared for success.â€�

Before commencing studies at ICMS, Danny chose to improve his English language fluency and academic skill set via the Business Preparation Program (BPP).  Danny went on to complete his paid Industry Training at the exclusive InterContinental, Sydney where he had the chance to serve world leaders at the 2007 APEC summit and was asked to stay on a casual basis as he continued his studies.  Danny aims to continue working for premium hotels after graduation in the area of human resources. 

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Name:  David dela Cruz
Hometown: Wellington, New Zealand 
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Event Management

“I think that the mix of people at ICMS really enhance the learning experience.  I also enjoy the sense of community that is unique to ICMS compared to other universities.  It is important for me to take an active role at the College and I have enjoyed roles such as Resident Assistant, Bar Team, SRC and Student Ambassador.â€�

David is the recipient of the Daryl Courtney-O’Connor Gold Scholarship and an alumnus of Wellington College.  As a senior in high school, David won a regional young enterprise scheme and went onto compete in the national finals against high school students from across New Zealand.   His project, Pulse, a dance party for under eighteen-year-olds on Friday night, has successfully continued since its early beginnings.  One day David would like to own a full-service event management company and anticipates that the comprehensive nature of his degree will continue to offer him new career options. 

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Name:  Henrique Rocha
Hometown: Minas Gerais, Brazil 
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Services Management

“I chose ICMS after working for several years in various roles within the tourism and hospitality industry.  I was ready to increase my understanding of purchasing behaviours and why people buy.  The ICMS Retail Management Program opened this door for me.â€�

Henrique was working in New Zealand when he made the decision to shift his focus to the retail services management industry.  The real-world experience of the ICMS lecturers was a part of the College’s appeal.  For his nine months of paid Industry Training Henrique was selected to work within a large retail store located on the Macquarie University campus.  Henrique had the opportunity to experience all aspects of the operation of a busy retail establishment.  Outside of his studies, Henrique enjoys attending various events by on by the SRC and has served as a Class Representative and Resident Assistant.  He is also an avid soccer player and enthusiast.   After graduation, Henrique plans take his knowledge and experience back to his native Brazil and start his own business.  

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Name: Iris Yim
Hometown:  Hong Kong
Program:  Master of Commerce-Marketing

“Once you graduate from ICMS, no one can say that you have limited experience.  When I interview for jobs this is the difference between ICMS students and students from other universities.â€�

Iris completed her Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management and then spent a year working as the Housekeeping Coordinator at the six-star Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong before enrolling in the master’s program.  Iris is an active member of the Asian Student Association and a part of the graduate group who recently won the 2009 Asia Pacific Google Online Marketing Challenge.  After graduation, she plans to work internationally in the marketing department in the hotel or airline industry.  

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Name:  Jacqueline Sargent-Gillet
Hometown: Willoughby, NSW
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Services Management

“Working for well-known Australian retailers, there was a high level of professionalism and business management knowledge expected from day one.  ICMS prepared me for the real-world experience of industry training, as I learned the ins and outs of the retail business.   Even though I have completed industry training, my knowledge base and experience continue to increase term after term. “

Retail is the fastest growing industry in the world.  Jacqueline knew this and saw it as field with significant room for professional growth and advancement.  Professionally Jacqueline had the opportunity to attend retail conferences and excursions, and IT offered Jacqueline the opportunity to work for two major retailers within Australia, Kookai and David Jones.  Eventually Jacqueline aims to take her retail knowledge and experience and move into the marketing and media side of the industry. 

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Name:  Lauren Kirkby
Hometown: Pennant Hills, NSW
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Event Management

“I have always loved that feeling when you go to a big event and start to think about all that goes into putting on an event of this magnitude. I had that feeling when I attended the Sydney Olympics and knew that one day I wanted to be a part of the event industry.�

Lauren grew up in the north shore suburb of Pennant Hills and attended Barker College in Hornsby.  After talking with a current ICMS student, Lauren decided to enrol at the College.  The opportunity of nine months of paid Industry Training was also a draw for Lauren.  IT brought Lauren to ICMS partner Macquarie University where she was the Events and Catering Manager.  After ICMS, Lauren would like to take her event management skills to the US or Canada and continue expanding her growing professional resume.  

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Name:  Pia Westblad
Hometown: Linköping, Sweden
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management

“I love working with people, organising events and facing new challenges.  Working within the industry has allowed me to development as a person and gain experience in an industry where the opportunities are vast and I’m not limited to just one country or field.â€�

Pia grew up in the southern Swedish city of Linköping before she decided to move to Australia and begin her bachelor’s degree at the College.  During her nine months of paid industry training, Pia worked at the exclusive Club Med Lindeman Island and was eventually promoted to Corporate Groups Manager.  Looking to the future, Pia plans to find a position with another international company where she can invest in her future and work towards her eventual plan of starting her own company.  

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Student Profile:  Yasmin Martinez
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Degree:  Associate Degree in Hospitality Management

“I spent many years working within the industry at my family’s restaurant. The business means a lot to me, but I knew that I could make it better with an advanced degree.   I chose ICMS because it offered the most comprehensive hospitality management program. ICMS is a peaceful place to study and I love that I have a practical timetable where I can prepare for life after college.â€�

Yasmin worked in her family’s seafood restaurant, Puerto Escondido, before making the decision to move to Australia and advance her skill set with a degree in hospitality management.  She chose to study at ICMS because of its good reputation and the scholarship opportunities.  Later, she was awarded the International Student Scholarship.  Yasmin notes that the College is a friendly study environment and she appreciates the mutual respect between staff and students.  Paid Industry training was also a distinguishing feature of the College when compared to other universities. After graduation, Yasmin aims to start a Peruvian Restaurant in Manly and showcase new mixtures of tastes and Peruvian cuisine.   Yasmin speaks English and Spanish fluently and is also knowledgeable in Italian and Portuguese.  She is looking forward to sharing her native cuisine with her new friends in Australia.  

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Name:  Shannon McCarthy 
Hometown:  Gloucester, Massachusetts
Degree:  Study Abroad 

"The independance and faith this college has instilled in me has given me motivation to keep pushing towards my goals and great confidence in my work and myself.�

Shannon is currently studying a Hospitality Management degree in Massachusetts, USA, but has moved to Australia for one term with the ICMS Study Abroad program. In addition to the Study Abroad program, Shannon is completing an internship at the College. During the three week internship Shannon gained valuable experience from the functions, housekeeping and recruitment/ marketing departments.

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Name:  Brad Parker 
Hometown:  Orange, New South Wales, Australia
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management 

"It is your responsaibility to push yourself and make things happen, if you sit back you will only get so far, it is up to you."

After completing his Industry Training at the Manly Sea Eagles Brad has started his own company whilst completing his degree.  Brad is currently a talent agent specialising in triatheletes, securing endoresment deals and creating athelete images.  Brad would eventually like to move his company into freelance sponsorship management for major sporting venues around Australia.

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Name:  Cale Watson
Hometown:  Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia
Degree:  Bachelor of Business Administration specialising in Sports Management 

"I choose a career in this industry because it is an ever changing and growing industry that has a lot of potential for new ideas and possibilities for an individual to taylor the work they love."

Cale completed his industry training at Club-Med, Lindeman Island.  Being a G.O at Club Med is an awesome job because it teaches you amazing new skills that are out of your comfort zone. To get up on stage every night and perform in front of 200 guests then to socialize with them and get to personally make their time on the island unforgettable is a great experience and this is all outside of your usual bartending, reception, mini club or lifeguarding job. The interaction between staff and guests is perfect for industry training as it teaches you above average service and social skills as well as personal confidence in yourself that you can carry in to any job post study as well as the rest of your life.

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