Laying the Foundation: From ICMS to CBRE 

ICMS Property alumna Katyia Doughan’s career at CBRE started with a simple formula: practical experience plus the right education.  

While studying a Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation) at ICMS, Katyia combined classroom learning with a hands-on internship through the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program.  

That internship turned into a full-time role as a Facilities Administrator at CBRE, one of the world’s leading real estate firms. 

“The industry placement was a game-changer,” Katyia says.  

“It gave me the experience and connections I needed to get my foot in the door at CBRE.” 

From ICMS to CBRE

Katyia’s journey into the property industry began in 2022 when she started at ICMS and, as a student, started working as an administrative assistant in residential property management.  

While this gave her a solid foundation in the field, Katyia quickly realised her passion lay in commercial real estate.  

With the support of ICMS, Katyia secured a six-month internship with CBRE’s office leasing team. Industry placements are a core part of every degree at ICMS, ensuring that every student graduates with valuable real-world experience.  

Most students, like Katyia, go on to secure full-time roles at the companies where they complete their placements. 

“Working and studying at the same time was challenging, but it was worth it,” she says.  

“I got to shadow industry professionals, attend site visits, and see how they interacted with clients. It gave me real-world experience that I could apply in my studies and, later, in my career.” 

The internship was about both learning the ropes and about building a professional skill set.  

“I learned how to engage with clients, both verbally and non-verbally, and saw firsthand what makes someone successful in this industry,” Katyia explains.  

“That experience directly contributed to me securing a full-time role at CBRE after graduation.” 

Today, Katyia works in CBRE’s Property Management sector, where she continues to build on the knowledge and skills she developed during her time at ICMS and her internship. 

Why ICMS?

Katyia chose ICMS because of its strong focus on industry experience.  

“The opportunity to work in the field while studying was a huge drawcard,” she says.  

“The lecturers were industry professionals, so everything we learned was practical and directly relevant to the real estate world.” 

She also highlights the variety of subjects in the Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation) as a key factor in her career success.  

“The degree set us up for multiple career paths,” she says. “Now, I’ve worked in residential property management, commercial office leasing, and commercial property management.” 

Beyond the academics, Katyia fondly remembers the vibrant campus culture.  

“The social events, the friendships, and the diverse environment made it a great place to study,” she says.  

“The overall culture on campus was lively, with international students creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.” 

Advice for Future Graduates

“Be open to trying different career pathways,” Katyia advises.  

“The variety of subjects in the Bachelor of Property gave me the flexibility to explore different areas of the industry, and that’s been invaluable in my career.” 

She also emphasises the importance of making the most of industry placement opportunities.  

“The internship was pivotal in preparing me for the workforce,” she says.  

“It gave me a head start in my career and helped me build the skills and confidence I needed to succeed.” 

A Career Built on Experience 

Katyia’s path from ICMS to CBRE shows how combining education with hands-on experience can lead to career success.  

“The industry placement was key to getting my career started,” she says.  

“I’d highly recommend ICMS to anyone looking to get a head start in their career. My experience there was rewarding both academically and personally.”