Opening Doors with Motti & Smith: An Events Career Built with ICMS

When Shaun Olsen looks back on his career journey from a high school student in New Zealand, to becoming an Event Manager with Motti & Smith Events, he credits a mix of industry experience, networking, and real-world learning.  

And right in the centre of it all? His time at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS). 

Shaun’s pathway wasn’t the standard one. After finishing at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, he completed a Diploma in Hospitality Management at Queenstown Resort College, giving him the hands-on knowledge you need in any customer-focused industry.  

Ready for the next step, he set his sights on Sydney and enrolled at ICMS through the degree pathway program, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). 

“I believe a strong grasp of financial principles is essential for success in any industry.” 

Choosing ICMS for Industry Connections

It was ICMS’s reputation for graduate employment and industry links that really drew Shaun in.  

 “I chose to study at ICMS because of its strong reputation for graduate employment success and the extensive industry connections it offered,” he says.  

“I knew that having access to a professional network would be crucial for launching my career, and ICMS delivered on this promise.”  

In fact, those connections played a direct role in landing his role at Motti & Smith Events. 

Motti & Smith: Alumni and Scholarship Connections

You might have heard the name Motti & Smith if you’re interested in events.  

They’re one of Australia’s leading event management companies, working on everything from major festivals to city activations.  

The company is co-founded by Fernando Tellier Motti, himself an ICMS alumnus, and Blake Smith.  

Their commitment to supporting fresh talent is clear: they’ve even partnered with ICMS to launch the Motti & Smith Events Scholarship, which supports current students with a passion for the events industry through tuition support and a paid internship. 

Life on Campus: Building a Community

Living on campus brought Shaun close to a tight-knit student community, building friendships and professional relationships – “lasting personal and professional connections,” as he puts it – that he’s grateful for to this day.  

Shaun says these connections have shaped both his career and his outlook. 

Industry Placement: Learning on the Job

As part of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, Shaun completed his industry placement at The Hotel Britomart in New Zealand.  

Six months on the job taught him real lessons: “It taught me a crucial lesson: that every client’s needs are unique, and that actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and thoroughly understanding their specific requirements are fundamental to delivering successful and memorable events.”  

That client-first mindset is the foundation of his approach today. 

From Graduate to Event Manager at Motti & Smith

After graduating, Shaun got his start at Motti & Smith Events as a casual event staffer, rising through the ranks thanks to his work ethic and adaptability.  

Now, as Event Manager, he takes on everything from prepping council submissions and managing invoicing to coordinating artist catering logistics for well-known festivals, and even travelling to international surf competitions to ensure clients have everything they need.  

No two days are the same, which is what keeps him challenged and motivated. 

Shaun doesn’t downplay the effort involved, or the excitement.  

“The fast-paced nature of the events industry means no two days are ever the same, which keeps the work challenging and engaging.”  

Whether he’s managing public catering for music festivals or working with high-profile artists, Shaun’s ICMS foundation helps him rise to each new challenge. 

Shaun’s Top Advice for New Graduates

For students and new grads, Shaun’s advice is practical: 

“Actively attend industry events, make a conscious effort to network with professionals in your field, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem basic.  

“You never know who you might meet at these events and what doors those connections could potentially open for your career.” 

He believes that respect, curiosity, and a genuine approach open more doors than any exam result ever could. 

Why Shaun Recommends ICMS

Shaun recommends ICMS to anyone serious about setting themselves up for a successful career.  

“ICMS truly lives up to its motto: ‘Big enough to connect you, small enough to connect with you,’ and I am a testament to the value of the education and connections I gained there.” 

With leaders like Fernando Tellier Motti giving back to the next generation by offering industry scholarships, Shaun’s story is proof: with the right support, students can become the professionals shaping Australia’s biggest events.