From One Suitcase to a Master’s Degree: Jessica Mantel’s ICMS Journey

“What an honour to stand here today representing the graduating class of ICMS!” With these words, German-born Jessica Mantel began to tell her story of a journey that started in 2022, when she arrived in Australia with just one suitcase and plans for a short study abroad. 

Four years later, at the March 2026 graduation ceremony, Jessica walked across the stage to receive her Master of Event Management, sharing how curiosity and courage changed her life.  

“When I first arrived at ICMS back in 2022 during my bachelor’s degree, I had one suitcase and a plan to stay for just one trimester as an exchange student. Well, you can see where this story leads as I am still here,” she told her fellow graduates. 

Finding Connection in Quiet Times

Jessica started her ICMS study abroad journey just after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the campus was quiet and students faced new challenges.  

“At times it was quiet, we were all a little unsure. But somehow that uncertainty brought us closer together,” she shared during her speech.  

She formed a close group of international friends from all over the world, many of whom she’s still in touch with today. 

Returning to a Vibrant Campus

What started as a short study abroad trimester soon became a much bigger commitment.  

Jessica returned home before deciding to continue her studies back in Australia with a master’s degree at ICMS, encouraged by one of her lecturers, Katrina Denoux. 

By the time she was back on the ICMS campus to begin her Master of Event Management, it was bustling with new energy.  

“Suddenly everything felt different. The campus was full of life again,” she said. 

Jessica got involved in industry masterclasses, site visits, and student activities.  

These experiences helped her grow and become confident in helping others.  

She started welcoming new students, sharing advice, and helping others feel at home in the community she loved. 

Life After Studies

Jessica’s story didn’t end there. During an ICMS industry site visit, she discovered events company Encore APAC.  

They offered her a role as a sales coordinator, and in July 2025, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Event Technology. 

Her time at ICMS showed her that “the most important things many of us gained here cannot be measured in grades or degrees”. 

A Message of Curiosity

For Jessica, what she gained from her time at ICMS went well beyond grades or degrees.  

She built a life in a new country, found new interests, and followed a career path she never expected.  

Her belongings may have grown far beyond that first suitcase, but she reminded her graduating peers that the most meaningful things they take away can’t be seen or measured. 

“Stay curious and keep collecting memories. They won’t take up space, but they’ll take you far,” Jessica told her fellow graduates.  

“Curiosity is what brought many of us here from all over the world, and curiosity is what will keep opening doors long after today.”