Riva Williams

You were awarded the Courtney-O’Connor Scholarship. Congratulations! What motivated you to apply?

I saw the competitive advantage gained by studying at such a prestigious college and was also drawn in by the industry training and amazing location. I felt ICMS would best prepare me for employment after graduation. As a scholarship recipient, I have become involved in the Student Ambassador team, which travels to events like Career Expos to talk to prospective students and parents about ICMS. This has been a great opportunity to learn more about ICMS itself and has been a really enjoyable experience. Also as a scholarship recipient there is an expectation of being involved with a Student Association, I have this term become President of the Rotaract Club, running a Teddy Bear Picnic trivia night which fundraised $500 for Bear Cottage. We are currently planning a masquerade ball for the September trimester with a team of more than 30 members.

Why did you chose to study Event Management?

I initially planned on studying Hospitality Management, then Business Management, then in the summer holidays before my first trimester I was worked in a marketing role and realised that Events Management was what I wanted to study due to my interest in marketing and my enjoyment of running events in high school.

What are you enjoying about your course?

I really enjoy my EVT200 subject, where we are given realistic tasks that are assessed like they will be in future. For example, our first class saw us create a pitch under time pressure for a fashion event that we presented to a real client the next class. Finding out what we will experience when we graduate is something I find really valuable.

Why did you choose to study at ICMS?

I first discovered ICMS in 2011 when my Careers Advisor at high school was relief teaching our class. I was immediately drawn to the location of the College and saw the Industry Training component of the degree as something that would be effective in giving me a competitive advantage on graduation from students at other higher educations institutions who may not have had this exposure.

What have been your highlights so far?

Through ICMS I have been able to attain an Event Waiter job at The Star, which has seen me work at events with guests like Steve Wozniak and many famous musicians. I also gained the opportunity to volunteer at events with Jamie Oliver and Bob Geldof, which I really enjoyed.

What advice would you give to someone considering study at ICMS?

As soon as you walk through the door you start making connections and developing a personal brand that will stay with you for your career. Make sure to make the most of this and use your time here to put yourself in the best position possible for when you leave.

About the Courtney-O’Connor Scholarship

The International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) provides an annual scholarship to a Wellington College student in the name of an alumnus of Wellington College, Mr Darryl Courtney-O’Connor, Founder and Chairman, ICMS. The 2016 Courtney-O’Connor Scholarship is open to all students at Wellington College who are in Year 13 in 2015. It is part of the prestigious and highly sought after ICMS Professional Scholarship Program, which includes both corporately funded and College funded scholarships. These scholarships reward performance, dedication, passion, community contribution and academia. For more information, including how to apply, click here.