ICMS Information Technology Students Get Industry Career Advice at ACS

Networking, internships and practical experience were the focus when ICMS Information Technology students visited the Australian Computer Society (ACS), hearing directly from industry professionals about what it takes to build a career in technology. 

The September industry visit gave students the opportunity to connect with technology professionals and learn how to stand out when applying for internships, graduate programs and their first industry roles. 

Students heard from Benson Cheung, Regional Director ANZ at iMBrace, and Michael Lee, Data and AI Consultant at KPMG and Committee Member of the ACS NSW Emerging Professionals Committee. 

Alannah Grech, Student and Graduate Success Manager at ACS, also shared advice on building professional networks and accessing career opportunities. 

Networking Can Open Doors to Internships

A key message from the visit was that technical knowledge alone is not enough to secure a career in information technology. 

Students were encouraged to attend industry events, develop communication skills and build professional relationships before they need to ask for employment. 

“The way to stand out is through networking. It’s a long burn, but come to events, make that impression on people, and ask for those opportunities,” Alannah said. 

She explained that employers often receive hundreds or thousands of applications, making personal connections and demonstrated initiative increasingly important. 

Benson reinforced this advice by sharing his own experience of attending approximately 75 industry events over seven months. 

“I don’t think you can really understand something if you don’t meet people and have a chat about something,” he said. 

He also encouraged students to gain experience wherever possible, including through clubs, societies, personal projects and practical work. 

His advice was simple: “Just do something.” 

Turning Information Technology Skills into Industry Experience

The discussion also explored how students can translate their studies into practical experience that appeals to employers. 

Michael explained how relationships between education providers and businesses can develop into industry visits, case competitions, internships and graduate opportunities. 

Students were encouraged to take initiative, research prospective employers and approach industry professionals with genuine interest in their organisations. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) was another focus, with students encouraged to experiment with emerging technologies, including building AI agents and developing practical projects they can demonstrate in job interviews. 

The message was clear: employers need to see how students can apply their knowledge, not simply hear about what they have studied. 

Industry Connections Beyond the Classroom

For ICMS Information Technology students, the ACS visit provided an opportunity to connect academic learning with the expectations of Australia’s technology sector. 

It also introduced students to the professional development resources, networking events and complimentary student membership available through ACS. 

ICMS is a proud member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Professional Partner Program (PPP), demonstrating its commitment to industry engagement and student employability. 

The excursion reflects ICMS’s focus on industry-connected education, where students have opportunities to engage with professionals, build networks and prepare for their future careers alongside their studies. 

Please note: ICMS is a member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Professional Partner Program. This membership does not constitute ACS accreditation of ICMS courses. ICMS Information Technology courses are not currently accredited by ACS.