Masterclasses, site visits and industry immersions
At the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), our connections are your connections. Our masterclasses, site visits and industry immersions give students across all disciplines the opportunity to engage with their preferred industries, establish connections, and learn from inspiring leaders.
As an ICMS student, these are the types of things you can expect to be involved with as part of your studies.
Game Changers: Lessons in Leadership
This powerful masterclass brought together two of Australia’s top sporting minds – Paul Roos (AFL Hall of Famer) and Anthony Griffin (former NRL coach) – for a deep dive into leadership, resilience, and the power of team culture.
With Renee Gartner guiding the conversation, students gained real-world insights into what it means to lead with purpose, adapt to challenges, and build environments where people can thrive.Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
From $400 to a Global Fashion Empire
In this inspiring masterclass, MESHKI co-founder Natalie Khoei shared how she transformed a side hustle into a global fashion brand – all while balancing university and a part-time job.
Natalie’s message to students was clear: don’t wait for the perfect moment – just start. But do it smartly. Education gave her the safety net to grow at her own pace, and the skills she gained became the foundation of MESHKI’s success.
From posting on Instagram between classes to launching collections worn by celebrities, Natalie’s journey showed what’s possible when passion, persistence, and purpose align.Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Exploring a Career in Luxury Retail
Students at ICMS had a rare opportunity to step inside the world of high-end fashion and fine jewellery during the Richemont Oceania Masterclass, featuring professionals from some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands – including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC Schaffhausen, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
In this exclusive session, five Richemont Oceania leaders shared practical advice on building a career in luxury, highlighting the importance of detail, networking, on-the-ground experience, and a passion for the brand.Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Fashion Start Up Success Stories
How do you go from student to swimwear mogul, building a luxury fashion brand worn by Miley Cyrus and Gigi Hadid and featured in Vogue and Cosmopolitan?
In the Fashion Start-Up Masterclass at ICMS, students met Sophia Kim – the founder of Siempre Golden – who shared her journey from humble beginnings to international fashion success.With over 100,000 TikTok followers, Sophia inspired students with stories of grit, creativity, and hustle. She spoke about influencer marketing, celebrity networking, and overcoming rejection – all while building a global brand from scratch.
Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Tourism Insights
In this inspiring masterclass, ICMS students heard from Steve Cox, CEO of Destination NSW, as he shared his deep industry knowledge and passion for tourism. Cox discussed the evolving landscape of the tourism industry and how New South Wales is staying competitive through innovative, experience-driven strategies.
The session gave students valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in tourism and destination management, reinforcing how industry connections and real-world learning opportunities are essential to building future careers in tourism.
Click Here to watch the Tourism Insights Masterclass with Steve Cox.
Women in Business Panel
In this empowering session, four distinguished leaders shared their journeys and insights on navigating and succeeding in the business world. Ann Whitelock, Chairperson of ICMS Scholarships; Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney; Ramak Salamat, Entrepreneur and General Manager APAC of Hopin; and Sonia Sadiq Ghandi, Director of Gandhi Creations, discussed the challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered as women in leadership roles.
The panelists emphasised the importance of resilience, mentorship, and breaking down barriers to create more inclusive and equitable business environments.
Click Here to watch the Women in Business Panel Masterclass.
Start Ups and Entrepreneurship
In this dynamic session, ICMS students gained invaluable insights from four accomplished entrepreneurs: Darryl Courtney-O’Connor, Founder of ICMS; Fernando Motti, Founder of Motti + Smith; Caspar Schmidt, Founder and Managing Director of QCC Collection Group; and Nandeeta Maharaj, Founder of Goods 4 Good. The panelists shared their personal journeys, challenges, and strategies for building successful businesses from the ground up. Students learned practical tips on navigating the complexities of starting and scaling a business, making this masterclass a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Click Here to watch the Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship Masterclass.
Journey to Fashion Success with P.E Nation Founders
In this engaging online Q&A, ICMS students heard directly from Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning, founders of the successful urban streetwear athleisure brand, P.E Nation. Drawing on their experience from working together at Sass & Bide to launching their own label, they shared valuable business insights and practical advice for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.
Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Succeeding in the Business of Sport
Turning a passion for sport into a career takes more than just playing the game. The ICMS Sports Industry Panel Masterclass, featured experienced professionals from across the sports business world. Panellists included Samara Govender (Football Australia), David Boyle (National Rugby League), Andrew Fraser (Sunstar Entertainment), and Josh Hussey (Athletes for Life).
They shared insights on the many career paths available beyond being an athlete, such as marketing, event management, talent representation, and athlete wellbeing.
Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Recipe for success in Hospitality Management
In this masterclass, Marilyn Annechini and Ramsie Taylor from Pilu at Freshwater share their experiences running a highly awarded fine-dining restaurant specializing in modern Sardinian cuisine.
Marilyn and Ramsie highlight the importance of creating a unique dining experience through personal service and storytelling, as well as leveraging social media and customer reviews to stay connected and improve.
They also share valuable career advice to help hospitality professionals succeed in this industry.
Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Lessons in Hospitality Leadership
Neil Perry, one of Australia’s most iconic chefs and restaurateurs, shared his journey and insights with ICMS hospitality and tourism students. Known for founding the Rockpool restaurants and his 20-year partnership with Qantas, Neil spoke about building a successful hospitality business, overcoming challenges like COVID-19, and his vision for the future.
He emphasized the importance of knowing your “why”—creating memorable experiences through genuine care for customers, staff, suppliers, and the environment.
Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Secrets to Fashion Success
Alex Perry, Australian fashion icon, shared honest advice with ICMS Fashion students: success isn’t about looks or connections but about hard work, resilience, and proving yourself from entry level. He stressed sticking with entry roles, showing strong work ethic, and being proactive.
As the son of a Greek migrant, Alex values hard work deeply and encourages students to focus on solutions and listen only to respected critics.
Click Here to find out more about this Masterclass.
Site Visits and Industry Immersions
Australian Fashion Week
At Australian Fashion Week 2025, a group of prospective ICMS students got an exclusive look behind the scenes of luxury fashion. Guided by ICMS staff, they experienced runway shows, met industry professionals, and saw event operations up close.
The visit gave students a real sense of what it takes to succeed in fashion and events – turning inspiration into career direction.
Click Here to find out more about this excursion.
Salesforce
ICMS Business, Marketing and IT students explored the world of innovation and AI during an exclusive visit to Salesforce Tower Sydney.
From panoramic views on the Ohana Floor to a hands-on AI workshop, students got a real-world look at how tech is shaping business.
They heard from senior leaders – including ICMS alumna Samantha Hardiman – about career paths, personal branding and the power of feedback, leaving inspired and better prepared for the tech industry.
Click Here to find out more about this excursion
Event Management students at ICMS gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to SXSW Sydney – one of the world’s most dynamic events for creativity, innovation and tech.
From a live Q&A with SXSW’s General Manager Jono Whyman to observing a production meeting and attending the event itself, students experienced the full scope of large-scale event planning.
The partnership reflects ICMS’s commitment to immersive, industry-based learning – giving students hands-on insights, professional connections and the tools to succeed in their future careers.
Click Here to find out more about this excursion.
Budgy Smuggler
ICMS students visited the Manly headquarters of iconic swimwear brand Budgy Smuggler for a behind-the-scenes look at brand growth, leadership, and local manufacturing.
They were welcomed by General Manager – and ICMS alumnus – Brenden Hartmann, whose unexpected career path from rugby dreams to running a global business offered valuable insight and inspiration.
Brenden shared the brand’s journey from humble beginnings to international success, highlighting its Aussie roots, commitment to local production.
Click Here to find out more about this site visit.
Asia Pacific Events and Meetings Event (AIME)
At the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) in Melbourne, ICMS showcased its strong connection between education and industry. Event Program Manager Janene Wardrop led a well-received workshop on how to lead and manage Gen Z employees in the workplace, offering practical advice and real-world examples.
Three ICMS Bachelor of Event Management students gained valuable hands-on experience by helping to organise and deliver this major event expo.
Click Here to find out more about this site visit.
Cricket Australia, Manly Sea Eagles and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club
Future ICMS Sports Management students joined a special breakfast with leaders from Cricket Australia, Manly Sea Eagles, and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club.
Speakers shared insights on sports broadcasting, NRL’s US expansion, player contracts, and women’s growing role in sports. Mike Baird urged students to follow their passion, while Tony Mestrov encouraged more women in sports leadership.
The event also offered valuable networking opportunities, helping students connect with industry professionals.
Click Here to find out more about this site visit.
Cartier
ICMS hosted Cartier’s Talent Acquisition team at the Northern Beaches campus, offering students valuable insights into luxury brand careers.
Cartier shared details about upcoming recruitment and internship opportunities within the Richemont group, giving students a unique glimpse into the industry.
This ongoing partnership helps shape the future of luxury retail by supporting the next generation of professionals.
Click Here for more information about the event.
The Iconic
ICMS lecturer and industry professional Cara Wiggins created an exclusive internship program at The Iconic for fashion students through ICMS’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program.
This hands-on experience helps students build real-world skills and industry connections, preparing them for successful fashion careers.
The partnership benefits both students and The Iconic by bringing fresh talent into the company.
Click Here to find out more about this site visit.
ICMS Master of Event Management students enjoyed an industry excursion to ICC Sydney, gaining firsthand insights into event operations at a world-class venue.
The ICC team welcomed students with an informative Q&A on event management, sustainability, and industry best practices, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour.
ICMS Events Lecturer Janene Wardrop highlighted the importance of these excursions for connecting classroom learning with real-world experience, preparing students for dynamic event careers.
Click Here to find out more about the excursion.